Guidelines for Refund of Unused Units in Franking Machines.
The Department of Posts has reiterated its guidelines for processing refunds on unused postage units in franking machines that have either been condemned or discontinued before the full value of the postage has been utilized. These guidelines are outlined in the Office Memorandum dated October 29, 2024, issued by the Postal Operations Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.
Key Provisions
- Delegation of Powers:As per Schedule II of the Delegation of Financial Powers to HoCs/HoDs, issued via O.M. No. 6-1/2021-Fin.Coord dated July 30, 2021, Heads of Circles (HoC) or Heads of Departments (HoD) are empowered to sanction refunds for unused postage units in franking machines, provided certain conditions are met.
Conditions for Refund:
- The franking machine must either be condemned or its use discontinued.
- Refunds can only be granted for unused postage units remaining in the machine at the time of condemnation or discontinuation.
- A claim for refund must be submitted within three months from the date the machine was condemned or discontinued.
Compliance Reminder
All postal circles are requested to ensure strict adherence to the prescribed three-month time limit for submitting refund claims. Delayed claims will not be entertained, as per the stipulated guidelines.
Importance of Adherence
- Timely Refunds: Compliance with the time limit ensures refunds are processed promptly, avoiding inconvenience to users.
- Financial Accountability: Adhering to the guidelines helps maintain transparency and accountability in financial operations.
This directive has been issued with the approval of the Competent Authority and serves as a reminder to all postal circles to implement the refund process efficiently and within the designated timeframe.
For further details, refer to the official memorandum issued by the Department of Posts, available through respective Circle offices.
