Context:
Recently, Rajya Sabha passed Post Office Bill, 2023 which will replace Indian Post Office Act (IPOA), 1898.
IPOA, 1898:
- Enacted during the tenure of Viceroy Lord Elgin-II (1894-1899).
- IPOA, 1898 addresses mainly mail services provided through the Post Office.
Key Highlights of the Bill:
- Powers to intercept postal articles: Bill empowers officers to intercept, open or detain an article which is being transmitted through post on certain grounds.
- Grounds include security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, emergency, public safety etc.
- Exemptions from liability: PO will not incur any liability with regard to its services, except any liability prescribed through Rules.
- Director General of Postal Services will be appointed to head India Post.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: In India, prisons are managed by State Governments with their own rules and regulations for the day-to-day administration of prisons.
Statement-II: In India, prisons are governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 which expressly kept the subject of prisons in the control of Provincial Governments.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Answer: (a)
