New Delhi: To strengthen rural livelihoods and service delivery, the Department of Posts (DoP) and the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance financial, digital and logistics support for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural households across India.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Dak Sewa, Jan Sewa” and the priorities of the Union Budget 2025–26, the partnership aims to leverage India Post’s vast rural network to promote financial inclusion, digital empowerment and entrepreneurship.
With over 1.5 lakh rural post offices, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and nearly 2.4 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks, the DoP will ensure last-mile delivery of services. IPPB will provide doorstep banking, including savings, payments and remittances, supported by digital tools such as tablets and PoS machines for SHGs.
The initiative will also improve market access for SHG products through Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras, support Aadhaar services, expand insurance coverage and create livelihood opportunities by training SHG women as business correspondents and insurance agents.
Officials said the collaboration marks India Post’s growing role as a technology-driven partner in inclusive rural development.
