Serpentine queues & chaos at Panjim Head Post Office

There is utter chaos at the main Head Post Office at Panjim. 

The token system machine and token display board are not functioning for the past  several months. Moreover, there were three counters in service, which have been reduced to two counters in service, out of the several counters existing there. 

I am given to understand that as per the directive of Ministry of Communication, it is made mandatory to use savings account to credit the interest, maturity of MIS,SCSS,TD and other savings accounts from December 1, 2017. 

This has increased the demand to open more savings accounts and request for new cheque books. 

I feel the authorities should have provided a separate counter temporarily for new saving accounts so as to reduced the initial rush. 

Also, many a time the online system does not work or rather works at a snail’s pace, which leads to long queues. 

Moreover, the staff do not seem to be concerned about the time and efforts of the customers and on many instances have been asked to return the next day, sometimes only to realize that even on the next day the work is not done. Interestingly, this practice goes on for several days until Lady Luck smiles on you and you get an opportunity. It is indeed a frustrating experience! Sadly, our leaders pompously preach about e-banking, but the ground reality is starkly different. Our postal banking services has gone from bad to worse. 

Worse, there is also no separate facilitation counter reserved for senior citizens and it is a pity to see our old and feeble senior citizens made to undergo this ordeal day after day. 

There are times when the employees at the counter face public ire and are shouted at, but the bosses seem to care less and enjoy the cool comforts of the cabin without even trying to know what the problem is, let alone trying to address the grievances.

Unfortunately, I have learnt that the postal investors from Salcete are the worst affected in this scenario. 

Will the concerned authorities do something to improve the services.