Money Order service in tact, says India Post

India Post has lashed out on its competitors by stating that 'sponsored negative publicity campaign' has resulted in rumours being spread that the department has shut its age-old money order service.

"It has been noticed that since the last few weeks news items have been repeatedly appearing in Hindi and other regional newspapers regarding alleged discontinuation of money order services by the Department of Posts. This appears to be a sponsored negative publicity campaign," read a statement issued by the department.

"Only videsh money order service has been discontinued. Other money order services provided by the department are still there," said Ashok Kumar Dash, chief post master general, Maharashtra circle. In fact, attempts are being made by the department to remit money order though internet. In the recent past, the time taken to transmit money order has been reduced due to electronic mode of transmission.

"There are plans that in future hand-held devices will be used to further cut down on transit time and also to provide signature and thumb impression to the sender. The image will be scanned and the sender can check it online," added Dash.

A sizeable number of individuals still continue to book money order, some of those include daily-wage earners at urban areas, to send money back home. Those who want to do charity by donating money to charitable organisations or religious institutions too use the service.