Kolkata: The West Bengal Postal Circle on Friday inaugurated National Postal Week 2026 at Town Hall, Kolkata, marking the occasion of World Post Day with a renewed focus on technological advancement, postal modernisation and citizen-centric service delivery.
Observed under the global theme “World Post Day: One Postal Network, Infinite Possibilities”, the weeklong initiative aims to highlight the evolving role of India’s postal network in connecting communities, expanding financial inclusion and delivering essential public services.
The inaugural programme was attended by Shri Ashok Kumar, Chief Postmaster General, West Bengal Circle, and Shri Riju Ganguly, Postmaster General, South Bengal Region, along with representatives of the Prayag Philatelic Society.
A key highlight of the opening day was the release of a special cover on “Durga Puja – Intangible Cultural Heritage”, recognising the cultural significance of the festival. The programme also featured an inter-school philatelic fashion show titled “Philately on the Runway”, showcasing costume designs inspired by postage stamps. Awards were also presented to West Bengal Circle winners of the UPU International Letter Writing Competition for Young People 2026.
National Postal Week: Schedule of Events
As part of the celebrations, the West Bengal Postal Circle has planned a series of thematic activities across its postal divisions.
The programme began on October 9 with World Post Day. The celebrations will continue on October 12 with Fun with Philately Day, followed by Financial Inclusion & CCS Day on October 13. October 14 will be observed as Mails & Parcels Day, while Technology & Innovation Day will conclude the scheduled thematic celebrations on October 15.
The initiative is intended to promote awareness of postal products and services while strengthening public engagement with the department.
Five Next-Generation Post Offices Operationalised
Highlighting its modernisation efforts, the West Bengal Postal Circle said it has operationalised five Next-Generation (N-Gen) Post Offices. These facilities feature upgraded layouts and digital infrastructure designed to improve customer experience and meet the changing expectations of younger customers.
The initiative forms part of the Circle’s broader efforts to modernise postal infrastructure and make services more accessible and user-friendly.
MoU for Ayushman Bharat Card Delivery
In another significant development, the West Bengal Postal Circle has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of West Bengal to facilitate e-KYC verification for Ayushman Bharat.
According to the department, the initiative is expected to pave the way for the doorstep delivery of physical Ayushman Bharat cards to beneficiaries across the state, leveraging the extensive reach of the postal network.
The collaboration is aimed at improving access to essential public services, particularly for people who may face difficulties reaching service centres.
Postal Network to Support Solar Energy Awareness
The Circle is also planning a public outreach initiative in collaboration with the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL).
Under the proposed initiative, Speed Post letters carrying the Chief Minister’s message on solar energy initiatives, benefits and subsidy schemes are planned to be delivered directly to farmers and landowners. The initiative is intended to improve awareness of renewable energy programmes and related government support.
Speed Post 24 Strengthens Express Delivery Services
The West Bengal Postal Circle also highlighted its performance in express logistics following the rollout of Speed Post 24 services.
According to figures shared by the department, the Circle currently records an average of around 1,000 daily bookings for Speed Post 24 documents and 250 daily bookings for Speed Post 24 parcels.
The figures indicate the department’s growing focus on time-sensitive delivery services and its efforts to strengthen its position in the express logistics segment.
Aadhaar Services Extended Across West Bengal
Expanding access to essential identity-related services remains another priority for the Circle. Regular Aadhaar camps and integrated enrolment and update facilities are being provided through the postal network across West Bengal.
The department has placed particular emphasis on underserved areas and schools, including facilities for mandatory biometric updates, to improve accessibility and help residents complete necessary Aadhaar-related procedures.
Press Meet Scheduled at Town Hall
The West Bengal Postal Circle has invited media representatives to cover the inaugural celebrations of National Postal Week 2026 at Town Hall, Kolkata. A press meet has been scheduled for 1:20 pm at the venue on October 9.
Through the weeklong celebrations, the department aims to showcase how its extensive postal network is evolving beyond traditional mail delivery to support digital services, financial inclusion, public welfare initiatives and modern logistics.
The focus on infrastructure upgrades, doorstep services and technology-driven delivery reflects the continuing effort to position the postal network as an accessible and relevant public service platform for citizens across West Bengal.
