The service at Goa’s post offices is atrocious. I have frequented various post offices to send parcels and letters– from Dona Paula to Miramar, and now Fatorda and Margao. Each and every experience has been terrible – either there is no power or no internet or no staff, forcing even senior citizens to make multiple trips to the post office. With the government harping on digital payments and ‘Digital India’, the post office still insists on conducting all transactions in cash, and its employees insist on the exact amount – they make a huge fuss if we do not have change. This week, I visited the Margao head post office to send a few parcels. At 3.30 pm, there were four counters with four staffers sitting behind them – but only one was opened and functional. The other three had a ‘counter closed’ sign, with employees chatting and on their phones, instead of servicing the citizens, even elderly people, waiting in queue. The person behind the single functional counter was also taking his time, having conversations with his colleagues. Despite requesting them to open at least one other counter so the public can finish their work and leave, they did not oblige. Instead, the sole functional counter also put up the ‘closed’ sign and told the 7th person waiting in queue to send away anyone that comes after him. If all the counters were open, and the employees worked more efficiently, would they not be able to service more citizens? Especially during the festive season, when people are keen to send greetings and presents to their loved ones. These issues are the reason people prefer private couriers. I request the postmaster to conduct the necessary training and assessments for their staff, to ensure citizens and loyal customers are not inconvenienced.
