“Though India had a well developed network of Post even
before Railways and Telephones were introduced, the rich history of the Post
during the last 200 years has not been documented in a manner it deserves. The
development of India Post during last 200 years has been generally incremental
and evolutionary where rules and
procedures were gradually evolved, tested and refined with a view to
rendering economical and efficient
postal service in the highly deserve environment of the sub-continent. However, due to radical
changes in the public expectations and technology during the last two decades,
the postal system which has evolved over the years requires basic technological
up-gradation and organizational changes. India Post has taken up this task of modernizing
the postal services in a time bound manner, but the rich history of the Post
needs to be documented and preserved as an example of an organization which has
repeatedly demonstrated its ability to provide cheap and efficient service
under changing conditions despite all challenges.”
The efficient personality behind the above historic thought
and noble message, Shri Sarat Chandra Mahalik (IPOs -1962), the first Odia
Director General - cum – Secretary, Department of Posts, Govt. of India (1994-96)
and the main architect behind computerisation in
India Post is no more.
Shri Mahalik Sir breathed his last at the age of 79 on 12.05.2017 during his treatment at Medant
Hospital, Gurgaon.
His contributions to India Post will be ever remembered. Under
his steward leadership as DG & Secy (Posts), he percolated down to mail reforms
to bring a semblance of order to the
sorting process of different categories with introduction of the “Metro Channel”
(between Delhi and metropolitan cities), “Rajdhani Channel” (quicker service
between Delhi and State Capitals) “Business Channel” (special channel for bulk
despatches) and “Registration Channel” (for ensuring faster flow of registered
mail between different mail offices). His farsighted policy perceived a host of
new services such as Hybrid Mail Service and the Satellite Money Order which facilitated
combining the services of a Postman with computers and satellite to deliver the
mail and money orders on the same or next day.
In his valedictory address on January 20th, 1995
to the participants of SAARC Countries
on completion of the Extended Training Programme on Business Management in Postal Staff
College , India by the Asian Pacific Postal Training Centre, Bangkok, Shri S C
Mahalik, the then DG(Posts) beautifully
summed up the Financial Policy of the
Department by saying that he was
wondering for last 35 years in his service
to find out what actually is the Financial Policy of the Department.
Whether it is commercial or public utility service or revenue earning to meet its own expenses. Having been a good
debater all along since his school days, he concluded by saying that to his
surprise he has now found it to be all these as it is charging the corporate
sector with commercial rates , providing
poor man’s service like post cards etc. on subsidised rates and has been a revenue earning
organization to meet its own expenses in
running the other services for the
common man.
In his message to the fifth Federal Congress of National
Postal Organization held in Mumbai in April, 1995, he expressed that India Post
is at the cross roads. Yes, certainly, being an historian himself, he has been
able to perceive and to give a wise turn from its traditional track. He tried
to modernize the old machinery to see India Post flying with renewed energy
like a red bird with double vigour in order to recapture its lost place in the
changed environment.
The modernized India Post we see today is the brain child of
Shri S C Mahalik, ex-Chairman, Postal Services Board.
After retirement he worked as Chairman, Odisha Electricity
Regulatory Commission for two years. “Mahalik Committee”
headed by him during the period when Shri K. P. Singh Deo was the Minister of
Communications, Govt. of India had recommended modernization of Door Darshan Kendras. His
contribution for establishment of Indian Institute of Mass Communication,
Dhenkanal is praise worthy.
His wife Padmashree Smt. Geeta
Mahalik is a renowned Odisi dancer. His two daughters and son in law P.K.Swain,
presently the Chief Post Master General, Punjab Circle were present at Medant
Hospital.
Deeply shocked, the All
India Postal Employees Union, Group-C, Odisha Circle sincerely mourns the sad demise
of Shri Mahalik Sir and conveys its heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family
members.
Let the departed soul rest
in eternal peace.
= B
SAMAL =
Circle
Secretary
AIPEU,
Group-C, Odisha Circle
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