Now, get stationery items from post offices

Vijayawada: The decision of India Post to implement its successful initiative in the city will give people the chance to buy a wide range of items from post offices. Mayor Koneru Sridhar and India Post officials inaugurated a 'Post Shoppe' stall in the HPO at Kaleswara Rao market here on Thursday.

Various sizes of envelopes, A4 papers, pens, staplers, scissors, glue sticks, CD / DVD / pen drives, mugs imprinted with image of stamps on Sachin Tendulkar and other famous persons, philately frames, stamp albums, picture postcards etc are available at the stall.

According to postmaster general M Sampath, people entering the building can henceforth buy stationery items from a special counter in the HPO. "Packaging materials, adhesives, sports accessories, cosmetic items, branded speed post stationery, gifts and stationeries are on offer. Customers can also take home souvenirs such as miniature letter boxes and coffee mugs with postal logos printed on them," he said.

India Post first implemented the initiative in Bangalore and its success prompted the department to do the same in other capitals including Hyderabad.

Postal service director K Somasundaram averred that 'Post Shoppe' will be a one-stop centre for all needs of customers. It provides good opportunity to have a glimpse of books authored by eminent writers and personalities. "The rates will differ from private-owned shops. The project will generate additional revenue for the department. In its initial stage, people will have to come here to shop and it will go online later," he explained.

Requesting citizens to avail the services available in post offices, the mayor lauded the GPO for implementing schemes started by the Union government.