The Economics of the Post Office: Checkpoint 1

Quick checkpoint - five questions on India Post's network, postal history, universal service, letters and parcels.

Quick checkpoint - five questions on India Post’s network, postal history, universal service, letters and parcels.

Question 1 of 5 About how many post offices does India Post run?

1,600 Around 1.6 lakh 16 crore 160

Most are in rural areas.

Question 2 of 5 What did Rowland Hill show about mail costs?

Handling, not distance, was the main cost Distance was everything Stamps were too expensive Letters should be free

This justified the uniform penny post of 1840.

Question 3 of 5 What is a universal service obligation?

Delivering everywhere at the same price Only serving cities Charging more in villages Stopping rural delivery

It serves unprofitable areas for equity.

Question 4 of 5 When was India's telegram service shut down?

July 2013 1854 1972 2023

It closed after 163 years.

Question 5 of 5 What is India Post's key strength in parcels?

Rural reach to almost every PIN code The fastest urban delivery Drone-only delivery No competition

Private couriers often rely on it for remote areas.

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