POST OFFICE

SAVINGS BANK MANUAL

VOLUME I

SAVINGS BANK PROCEDURE

SECOND EDITION

(CORRECTED UP TO 31.12.2006)

ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF

DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF POSTS, INDIA

AND

SECRETARY TO GOVERNMEMNT OF INDIA

DEPARTMENT OF POST

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

PREFACE

The first edition of P.O.S.B. Manual Volume I & II containing savings bank procedure and savings certificates procedure to be followed by the head and sub offices were brought out in 1988. The Manual relating to various Acts and Rules of all savings schemes was not printed as a separate Manual as these Acts and Rules were available in Post Office Guide Part IV meant for use both by the Public and Post Offices. However Post Office S.B. Manual Volume III containing various Acts i.e. Savings Bank Act, Savings Certificates Acts and Public Provident Fund Acts and Rules of all Savings Schemes has been brought out now.

During the period from 1988 to 2006 a number of new schemes were introduced and some old schemes discontinued. The new scheme introduced were (i) Indira Vikas Partra Rules (ii) National Savings Certificates (VIII-Issue) Rules (iii) Kisan Vikas Patra Rules, 1992 and (v) Senior Citizen Savings Scheme Rules, 2004. The schemes discontinued were (1) C.T.D Schemes (2) National Savings Scheme Rules,1987 (3) National Savings Scheme Rules, 1992 (4) Indira Vikas Patra Rules, (5) Social Security Certificates Rules (6) 6-year National Savings Certificates Rules (VI Issue) and (VII-Issue). The rules of only current schemes have been kept in these Manuals as the rules of discontinued schemes are of no use now and can be referred to in the old Manuals, if any, necessity arises.

The Manuals are corrected up to 31st December, 2006 and all the changes in rules and procedures made in these schemes have been inorporated thus making the Manuals quite up to date. These Manuals are meant for use by the operative, supervising and inspecting staff of the Post Offices in order to ensure that correct procedures are followed by the staff and correct information is given to the public. The Manuals will become very useful in the daily use by the staff.

Dy. Director General (Financial Services)

.5.2007

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 – Savings Accounts

APENDICES

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CHAPTER I

SAVING ACCOUNTS

N.B.—These rules apply to the Post Office Savings Bank Accounts and, mutates, to

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

also, except where separate rules are made in regard to the particular type of accounts, in which case, such rules relating to the particular type of accounts will apply.

SAVINGS BANK OFFICES

1. All Head Offices (H.O.), Sub-Offices (S.O.) and branch offices (B.O.) with the exception of those which are not vested with saving bank powers or from which the Savings Bank powers have been withdrawn by the Head of Circle are savings bank offices. The facilities of deposits and withdrawals by cheque are available only in Head and departmental sub offices. The facilities of deposits only by cheques and demand drafts are available at branch offices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSTMASTER AND TENURE

2. (1) The term Postmaster used in this chapter includes a Sub-Postmaster.

(2) (i) All the duties of the Postmaster in connection with the Bank Department may be performed under the orders of the Head of the Circle by the Deputy Postmaster, Assistant Postmaster or Assistant Sub Postmaster, to whom these may be assigned in the memo of distribution of work except the following which shall be the personal responsibility of the Head Postmaster.

(ii) Sanctioning claims in respect of savings bank accounts of deceased depositors which lie within his power of sanction and the safe custody of the records relating to such claims.

(iii) Signing and submission of S.B. returns to the S.B.C.O. in offices where there is no separate selection grade official incharge of the Savings Bank branch.

(3) The Postmaster will however remain personally responsible for the general functioning of the S.B. Branch and in particular for regular submission of S.B. returns on the due dates.

(4) If the officer to whom the duties of the S.B. branch have been delegated notices any erasures or alterations in Pay-in-Slip (SB-103) or applications for withdrawal (Form SB-7) or (SB-7A) the List of Transactions (SB-60) or other suspicious circumstances attending a S.B. transaction, these will be brought to the personal notice of the Postmaster who will report the matter at once by name to the Superintendent confidentially, unless he is under the direct control of the Circle Office, after taking appropriate action at his level as laid down in the rules. He should preserve all relevant records which may have a bearing on the case in his personal custody until they are transferred to the investigating authorities.

(5) (i) The Counter Assistant shall be rotated after every three years with the other P.A. in S.Os, having three hands or more this provision may be extended upto four years at the discretion of the Head of the Circle.

(ii) The tenure in Single Handed and Double Handed Offices is 3 years.

(iii) The overall tenure in Head Office and bigger sub-office having full time SB counter assistant is 5 years out of which 3 years can be as ledger assistant or supervisor-continuously.

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(iv) The overall tenure in Head Offices having incentive scheme is 6 years out of which 3 years may be as counter Assistant, ledger Assistant or Supervisor continuously. The incentive scheme has now been replaced by a new scheme in which S.B. Allowance is granted to the Postal Assistants. Under this scheme the maximum tenure in the S.B. branch is 5 years inclusive of the period during which the official had worked in this branch prior to the introduction of the scheme.

(v) In Head Offices having instant counter facilities, the counter Assistant will be rotated with other officials working in S.B. branches every two years.

(6) Tenure of SB/SC Counter Clerks: The following tenure has been fixed for SB/SC Counter Clerks in various offices: -

Note: - In order to increase the efficiency and have continuity in working, the tenure of the counter clerks in the Savings Bank and Savings Certificate Branch can be extended upto 4 years at the discretion of Heads of Circles. The overall tenure in office at © above will, however, remain 5 years.

(7) Shorter tenure for counter clerks in Head Offices having Instant Counter facility:- As per provisions of Rule 2(5) the SB counter clerk shall be rotated after every 3 years with the other clerks. In Head Post Offices having instant counter facilities, the counter clerk will be rotated with other officials working in SB Branch every two years instead of 3 years.

DISTRIBUTION OF WORK

3. The Work in the SB Branch of a HO should be distributed in the following manner –

(1) The common duties of the SB branch as mentioned below should be assigned to one person who may be given other duties also so as to utilize him fully.

(i) Receipt and distribution of dak.

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii)

(ix)

NOTE: - The counter Assistant may be assigned some of these duties.

(2) Each of the remaining assistants should be given the rest of the Savings Bank work relating to a set of offices, to be determined on the average number of transactions, such as: -

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(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii)

(ix)

NOTE: - The list given above is not exhaustive and covers some of the salient points only.

(3) Statistical Registers: The following statistical registers are required to be maintained in Head and Sub post offices in order to keep the statistics relating to Savings Bank and Savings Certificate transactions. The registers are closed on monthly basis. The Postmaster/Sub Postmaster should ensure that these registers are maintained properly and kept up-to-date.

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

PASS BOOK

4. A uniform computerized pas book (SB-5) for all POSB Schemes has been introduced. The entries in the said pass book will be made through pass book printer. In view of the above, the computerized uniform pass book needs to be stitched and not stapled so that it can be pass book printer friendly.

STOCK REGISTER FOR PASS BOOKS IN HEAD POST OFFICES

5. (1) A separate stock register of pass books in form SB-4 will be maintained for each kind of pass books in the Head Post Offices.

(2) The H.Os., will obtain supply of pass books by placing an indent in the first week of January, April, July, October on the Postal Stores Depot. The stock on hand and the indented quantity together will be equal to the requirement of six months. The indent will be in manuscript and in the following form: -

(INDENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING………..19…………)

The indent will be prepared in duplicate, one copy being retained in the Head Post Office.

(3) Immediately when the supply of new pass books is received, the Postmaster should verify that the number of pass books noted in the invoice has actually been received. He should then make an entry of the receipt in the stock register noting the number and date of the invoice, strike the balance and initial in the column provided.

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(4)

(5)

(a) the entries showing the number of pass books issued for new accounts and serial numbers of the accounts in question are correct by reference to the index to ledger cards.

(b) the entries showing the number of pass books issued in lieu of used up and spoilt pass books and the serial numbers of the accounts in question are correct by reference to the receipts taken from the depositors in respect of the accounts standing at the H.O. and the entry in the S.B. or B.O. Slip in respect of accounts standing at a S.O. or its B.Os., or at a B.O. in direct account with the H.O.

(c) The entries showing the number of duplicate pass books issued and the serial numbers of the concerned accounts are correct by reference to the relative application containing his orders for the issue of duplicate pass books; and

(d) The balance of passbooks in hand has been correctly arrived at and entered in the register.

After carrying out the checks prescribed above and having satisfied himself that all the entries in the register are correct the Postmaster should put his initials in the column provided therefore.

(6) An advance of adequate number of pass books should be given to the Ledger Assistant for use during the day. At the end of the day, balance with him should be verified and the stock replenished. A receipt for the advance should be taken whenever there is a change of incumbent and kept in the register of pass books.

(7) The stock of pass books should remain in the Postmaster’s custody and be verified by him once a month with the balance shown in the stock register. He will note the number of pass books in stock in words and sign in the register.

6. (1) For each sub post office, the Superintendent of Post Offices will fix the authorized stock of pass books which should be the average requirement of two months.

(2) (a) The S.O. will place an indent on the Head Post Office at the beginning of every month for replenishment of stock of pass books upto the authorized limit fixed. The indent will be prepared in duplicate in the following form, copy being retained in the SOs.

The Head Office will make supplies to the Sub Post Office, after proper check over the quantity indented for with reference to the authorized stock, under separate series of invoice to each Sub Post Office. The invoice will be prepared in triplicate, serially numbered for each Sub Post Office and two copies will be sent to the sub post office with the pass books. The serial number of invoices will run consecutively for each financial year. The Sub Office will return one copy of the invoice to the Head Post Office duly acknowledged. The acknowledged copy will be filed with the original invoice.

(b)

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SB-4(a) Stock Register of Pass Books of Sub Office

7. (1) When a Pass Book is made over by a depositor to a Post Office for dispatch to another post office, it should be dispatched by service registered post, the receipt for the registered article being given to the depositor. The words “Pass Book of Post Office Saving/ RD/ TD/ PPF/NSS/MIS/SCSS” (Account No…………………….. with a balance of Rs………… should be written on the receipt. When a Pass Book is returned by the post office to the depositor or sent by one Post Office to another, a similar note should made on the receipt which should given to the Saving Bank Assistant who should paste it in his receipt book or case file.

(2) In the following cases, free transmission of pass books from one post office to another is allowed:

(i) As enclosure to a complaint or a deceased claim.

(ii)

(iii) From a depositor on active service through the Field Post Office to his near relative for operating on the account and vice versa.

(iv) For entry of interest.

REGISTER OF UNDELIVERABLE PASS BOOKS IN DEPOSIT IN THE HEAD OFFICES AND SOs

8. (1) Register of pass books in deposits in H.O.: - If a depositor fails to take delivery of his pass book within 30 days from the date of its receipt in the HO or SO, the S.O. will forward the pass book to the H.O. duly entered in the list of documents with remarks “Undelivered”. Whenever a pass book is returned undelivered by a subordinate office or is received by the H.O. from any other source (e.g. from the depositor himself) and remains undelivered for any reason, particulars thereof should be entered in the Register of undeliverable pass books in deposit in the H.O. (SB-12(c)).

(2) When a Pass Book which has been brought on the register is returned to the depositor either directly or through a subordinate office or in any other way, particulars regarding its final disposal should be entered in the register.

(3) The register and the pass books entered in it should remain in the personal custody of the Postmaster.

(4) If a pass book is not claimed within a period of three months from the date of its original receipt at the H.O. it should be forwarded to the SBCO for safe custody. The acquaintance of the SBCO for such pass book will be obtained in the remarks column of the relevant entry in the register.

(5) Before the pass book is sent to the SBCO, the balance shown therein should be verified with that shown in the ledger card and the remarks “Balance Rs.……. verified and pass book transferred to control organization for safe custody on …………” recorded under the dated signature of the postmaster in the remarks column of the ledger card.

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(6) If an application for a pass book which has been transferred to the SBCO is received in the H.O., the pass book should be called for from the SBCO by sending a requisition duly signed by the Postmaster. On receipt of the pass book from the SBCO, a suitable note should be made in the register against the particular entry. A note in the ledger card should also be made as follows: “Recalled and delivered to the depositor on ………../dispatched to SO on……”

(7) Such an application received in a SO should be forwarded to the HO indicating the date on which the pass book was returned to the HO as undelivered.

(8) Register of Passbooks in deposit in SOs: The pass books received from the head office or any other source for delivery to the depositors will be entered in a manuscript register to be maintained for this purpose in the form given below in order to keep their proper account. The date of receipt will be noted on the top in the register. The serial number in the register will run in an annual series starting from No. 1 in April each year. The pass books should be delivered to the depositors as soon as possible on their surrendering the receipt (SB-28) granted to them duly signed and date of delivery noted in the register. The details of Pass books sent to branch offices will be entered in the register in the prescribed columns. The date on which the pass book is finally returned as undelivered to the Head Office will be noted in the register under initial of the SPM in the prescribed column. A note to this effect should be made below the last transaction in the SB ledger of the concerned account. A summary of the pass books in hand showing the closing balance on a day when there is change in the balance will be prepared in the remarks column of the register by the sub postmaster under his dated signature. The receipt should be pasted to the office copy of the receipt in the receipt book (SB-28).

Summary

(i)

(ii) Pass books received …………………………………………………………………………………………

(iii) Total …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

(iv) Pass books delivered/returned to H.O. /sent to Branch Office……………………………………

(v) Closing balance ………………………………………………….

Date Signature of the Sub Postmaster

The closing balance should be verified with the pass books in hand. The register and the pass books entered in it should remain in the personal custody of the Sub Postmaster.

Proforma for the Register of Pass Books in Deposit in Sub Offices

PAY-IN-SLIP (SB-103)

9. (i) All deposits will be accompanied by pay-in-slips with counterfoil (SB-103) duly filled by or on behalf of the depositor. The Counter Assistant accepting the deposit should check the entries in both parts to see that they agree in all respects, and note the balance after deposit at the bottom in the prescribed column of the pay-in-slip under his signature. The date-stamp should be impressed at the marked place on both parts. The counterfoil will be signed, detached and handed over to the depositor or his messenger. The pay-in-slip will serve as a voucher for deposit. This voucher will accompany the list of transactions in a separate bundle along with warrants of payments.

(ii) The pay-in-slip is in two different colures viz. white (SB-103) for Savings/TD/MIS/NSS accounts and yellow (SB-103) (a) for RD accounts. The specimen of these forms are given at Annexure-1 and 2.

Note: - The pay-in-slip can be filled in either in English or in Hindi or the Regional language at the option of the depositor.

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10. Long Book (SB-58): - All transactions as and when they occur will be entered in a Long Book (SB-58). The details, such as number of account, amount of deposit, withdrawal and interest on closed account will be shown in this book. In Head Offices and Selection Grade Sub offices where there is an Instant Counter Scheme, this book will be maintained by the Counter Assistant for Savings Accounts only. For all other types of accounts this book will be maintained by the Postmaster. In other Head offices and Sub offices the Postmaster/Sub Postmasters will maintain it. The total of all the columns will be struck at the end of the day. These totals will be agreed with the corresponding totals of list of transactions by the Postmaster. The Postmaster will sign below the totals for each day in the Long Book in token of having carried out the check.

Note 1: - Separate Long Books will be maintained for each kind of accounts viz. Savings/RD/TD/NSS/MIS/PPF and separately for each type like 1-Year, 2-Year, 3-Year and 5-Year T.D. account.

Note 2: - Long Book will be used for savings accounts in all sub offices and for RD/TD/MIS/NSS accounts in departmental sub offices only.

11. Preliminary Receipt (SB-26): - (1) Preliminary receipts SB-26 (Annexure-3) are printed in books of 50 receipts in duplicate for use in Extra-Departmental Sub Post Offices and in triplicate for Branch Offices and are machine-numbered.

(2) In and Extra-Departmental Sub Office, these receipts are to be prepared by the ED-SPM for the first deposit in duplicate by double sided carbon paper with indelible pencil entering the name of the person and the amount of deposit. The type of account for which receipt is issued should be prominently noted at the top on both copies of the receipt, e.g., SB, TD (------year/s), RD, etc. After both the copies of the receipts are signed by the ED-SPM the pencil copy should be given to depositor after noting the date on which he may attend the post office to collect the pass book, the carbon copy being retained in the book. The number of the receipt issued should be entered in the remarks column of the list of transactions preceded by the entry P.R.

(3) The current book of preliminary receipts should remain in the personal custody of the E.D.S.P.M. At the close of the day, he should see that the unissued receipts in the book are intact and put his dated signature on the reverse of the last receipt issued after ensuring that the receipts issued have been accounted for in the day’s account.

(4) If a preliminary receipt is spoiled, the word “Spoiled” should be written across both the copies of the receipt under the dated signature of the E.D.S.P.M. The original should be sent to the Head Office entered in the list of documents with appropriate remarks and when received back from the Head Office after verification and counter-signature by the Postmaster, it should be pasted to the duplicate copy of the receipt.

(5) On receipt of the original and duplicate copies of a preliminary receipt from a Branch Post Office with the remarks “Spoiled”, the Sub/Head Postmaster will, after verification and counter-signature, return the original to the Branch Office and file the duplicate in his office.

(6) The Account Office of a Branch Office will maintain an Index to Savings Bank preliminary receipts issued by the Branch Offices in account and keep a watch over the use of the receipts in serial order. The duplicate copies of the preliminary receipts received from the Branch Offices should be filed in the Account Office in monthly bundles Branch Office-wise.

(7) Each Savings Bank Ledger Assistant will maintain an index of preliminary receipts which will have entries for Extra-Departmental sub offices for which he is responsible to maintain the ledgers. The index should be in the form of index to preliminary receipts (MS-15). On receipt of the list of transactions, he will check that the first serial number is in continuation of the last serial used and that all serial numbers are in a consecutive order. He will enter the numbers of preliminary receipts issued by each ED Sub Office in the index (MS-15) and initial the entry. For this purpose, he will also consult the RD and TD ledger Assistants to ascertain the numbers of preliminary receipts, if any, issued for those categories of accounts while posting the index. One index will be maintained by the ledger Assistants for all types of accounts, e.g. SB, RD and TD. He will put up the index to the APM who will initial the entry with date after satisfying himself that the prescribed check has been carried out. In case of any discrepancy in continuity of serial numbers, the ledger Assistant should promptly bring the fact to the notice of the APM for necessary action.

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(8) The Head Office is responsible for supply of preliminary receipts book to Extra- Departmental Sub Office and Branch Office in direct account only when the receipts in the book in use are about to be exhausted. To ensure against double supply, a note with the date of supply of the receipt book should be made in the index to preliminary receipt books (MS –15). In case of Branch Offices, in account with the Sub Office, a fresh receipt books should be supplied on receipt of requisition from the Sub Office. The date of supply of receipt book should be intimated to the Divisional Superintendent for verification at the time of inspection.

(9) When a Branch Office or an Extra-Departmental Sub Office is closed, the Savings Bank preliminary receipt book should be sent to the Head Office where the unused receipts will be examined. The unused receipts will be destroyed personally by the Postmaster after making suitable remarks in the index to the preliminary receipts.

(10) When a depositor reports the loss of the original receipt he should be asked to submit a written application giving full particulars of the first deposit and stating the circumstances in which the original receipt was lost. If the depositor is illiterate, his mark or seal on the application should be attested by a respectable person acquainted with the applicant and known to the post office. The signature and other particulars mentioned in the application should be carefully verified and when the genuineness of the application has been established, the following certificate should be recorded on the application by the sub-postmaster under his dated signature:-“Certified that the particulars of the first deposit and the signature of the depositor have been verified by me and found correct”.The application should be forwarded to the head office for verifying the signature of the depositor and for orders (to be recorded on the application itself) regarding delivery of the pass book to the applicant. After the orders are passed by the Postmaster the application with the orders thereon should be pasted to the office copy of the preliminary receipt. The pass book should be delivered to the depositor on obtaining his receipt on the reverse of the office copy of the preliminary savings bank receipt on which the following endorsement should be made by the E.D. sub postmaster under his dated signature.

“Delivered on proper identification and after verification vide application dated………………… of the depositor pasted herewith”.

12. Receipt for depositor’s Pass Book (SB-28):- (1) A receipt (SB-28) (Anneure-4) printed and machine numbered in books of 50 receipts will be given to the depositor when his pass book is taken from him and cannot be returned to him immediately but has to be retained in the office.

(2) The receipt is to be prepared in duplicate by carbonic process using double sided carbon paper with an indelible pencil by the Counter Assistant entering the account number, name of the depositor and the balance at credit. Both copies should be impressed with the date stamp and signed by him before the receipt book is placed before the APM/SPM for check. After the entries are checked and both copies of the receipt signed by the APM/SPM, the pencil copy will be given to the depositor after noting the date on which he should attend the post office to collect the pass book and the carbon copy retained in the book.

(3) When the pass book is delivered to the depositor, his copy of the receipt (SB-28), duly signed by him in token of having received the pass book, will be taken back from him and pasted to the office copy of the receipt. The signature of the depositor appearing on the receipt should be compared with the specimen signature on record before delivering the pass book.

(4) The current book of receipts should remain in the personal custody of the APM/SPM at the close of the day’s transactions when he should see that the unissued receipts in book are intact and put his dated signature on the reverse of the last used receipt.

(5) The APM/SPM will review the receipt books at the close of each month in order to see that all the receipts are properly accounted for and that the depositor’s copies of the receipt containing acknowledgement for the pass books are on record duly pasted to the office copies before the books are transferred to record.

(6) If the receipt is spoilt the word “spoilt” should be written across both the copies of the receipt under the dated signature of the APM/SPM which may be kept on record. If the receipt is spoilt in the branch office, the branch office will forward the original copy of the spoilt receipt to its account office which will return the same to the branch office after verification and counter-signature.

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(7) The Head/Sub Post Office will maintain an index of receipts (SB-28) issued by the Branch offices in account with it in form MS-15 with reference to the relevant entries in the BO daily account and ensure that the receipts are serially issued.

(8) The Head Office is responsible for the supply of receipt books (SB-28) to the sub and branch post offices. A fresh receipt book will be supplied to the sub and branch office in direct account on receipt of requisition from SPM/BPM. In case of branch offices in account with the sub office, a fresh receipt book will be supplied on receipt of requisition from the sub office. Care should be taken to guard against double supply of receipt book against the same requisition. The date of supply of the receipt book should be intimated to the Divisional Superintendent/Inspector of Post Offices, as the case may be, for verification at the time of inspection.

(9) When a branch office or sub office is closed, the receipt book should be sent to the H.O. where the unused receipts will be examined. The unused receipts will be destroyed personally by the Postmaster after making a suitable remark in the index receipts (MS-15).

(10) When a depositor reports the loss of the original receipt, he should be asked to submit a written application indicating the account number and last balance in the pass book and stating the circumstances in which the original receipt was lost. If the depositor is illiterate, his mark or seal on the application should be attested by a respectable person acquainted with the applicant and known to the post office. The signature and other particulars mentioned in the application should be carefully verified and when the genuineness of the application has been established the following certificate should be recorded on the application by the APM/SPM under his dated signature.

“Certified that the last balance shown in the application and Signature/L.T.I. of the depositor have been verified by me and found Correct.”

After the orders are passed the pass book should be delivered to the depositor on obtaining his receipt on the reverse of the office copy of the receipt on which the following endorsement should be made by the APM/SPM under his dated signature.

“Delivered on proper identification and after verification vide application dated………of the depositor pasted herewith.

The application with orders thereon should be pasted to the office copy of the receipt.

13. Ledger Cards (SB-1):- (1) In respect of each account opened, a ledger card (form SB-1) should be prepared by the ledger Assistant in the Head Office. The account number taken from the index to ledger cards should be noted neatly on the top right hand corner in the cage provided for the Purpose. The name of the branch office if the account is opened at a branch office, the name and full address of the depositor, the type of account “PEN” for Pension account. “Joint A or Joint B” for joint account or “Minor” for minor account) and special remarks, if any, should be noted from the application form (SB-3). The first deposit should be posted under the actual date of deposit, drawing a line across the blank vertical of the ledger card under the heads “Deposits”, “Withdrawals” and “Balance”.

Note: - A new format of ledger (SB-1) common for all SB schemes has been devised which will be brought into use when printed and supplied to post offices.

(2) (i) Every binder must have a top binder sheet of ledger card in the prescribed form.

(ii) When a new ledger card is brought into use either for opening of a new account or as a continuation of a used up ledger card, the ledger card must bear the full signatures and names of the Supervisor at the top under the cage for account number/denomination. The ledger card must also be impressed with the SB date stamp of the HO so as to authenticate its insertion in the binder.

(iii) Each posting in the ledger card should be under the full signature of the ledger Assistant.

(iv) The Postmaster should put his signature after checking the entries in the ledger card.

(3) Each subsequent deposit or withdrawal should be entered by the ledger Assistant in the respective ledger card with the help of the entry in the pass book/pay-in-slip or withdrawal form against the actual date of transaction. He will note the balance after transaction neatly and affix his signature in the relevant column. He will then draw a line across the blank vertical columns of the ledger card under the heads “Deposits”, “Withdrawals” and “Balance”. If the transaction is the first in the month, the I.B.B. for and upto the month preceding should be noted in the column for I.B.B. If there has been no transaction for two or more preceding months, the I.B.B. for the last month should be multiplied by the

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number of months for which it has remained unchanged and only the resulting figure noted in the column for I.B.B. and the number of months from and to which I.B.B. relates should be noted in the remarks column in Roman figures. The Postmaster should compare and verify the entries made in the ledger card with the help of the relevant vouchers and see that the I.B.B. has been noted correctly in the prescribed manner and then put his signature in the ledger card in token of having carried out this check.

(4) When an account is closed, the ledger card should be removed from the binder after making a note in the index to ledger cards as follows: -

“Closed on………(Date)”.

The closed card will be transferred to SBCO duly entered in the voucher list along with voucher on the next day for retransfer to APM (SB) after the ledger agreement of a particular round is completed. The APM (SB) should keep these cards separately in the bundle of ledger cards of closed accounts.

(5) Where a ledger card is used up, a fresh ledger card should be prepared with full and complete ledger heading as for the used up card.” Balance brought forward” should be noted against the date of last actual transaction. The total of interest bearing balances of the previous months and if the last transaction is after 10th of the preceding month, the minimum balance for the month after the 10th should also be noted. A remark “Fresh card prepared on……” should be made under the signature of the Postmaster in the used up card. The remark “Continuation Sheet No……..” should be made on the top of the fresh card in red ink. The fresh and the used up cards will then be placed before the Postmaster who will, after Verifying all the entries, authenticate the fresh card under his dated signature and designation stamp. The fresh card along with the used up card will be returned to ledger Assistant for being placed in their proper serial order in the binder. The used up cards for which continuation cards have been brought into use must be removed, once the agreement for the entries contained in the used up card have been carried out and interest calculation thereon has been completed. The ledger cards so removed should be placed in a separate bundle of used up cards in the serial order of accounts, office wise and kept in the custody of the Postmaster.

(6) (i) As in Rule 13(4) ledger cards of transferred accounts will be transferred to SBCO for retransfer to APM (SB) after ledger agreement.

(ii) Ledger cards of accounts transferred from one office to another office under the same head office shall be transferred to the binder of the transferee office after recording remarks in the index to ledger cards of the transferring office and assigning a new number from the index to ledger cards of the transferee office.

(iii) The ledger cards of accounts closed, transferred, etc. and the used up ledger cards removed from the binder should be kept in bundles made up separately for each sub office and head office in the serial order of accounts.

(7) No document, paper or parchment should be attached to the ledger card. The binder containing the ledger cards should on no account be handled by the counter Assistant or other officials and should be allowed to be removed from the SB Branch by the SBCO only whenever required by them. The binder must be returned by the SBCO to the S.B. branch before the close of the day for safe custody.

14. SB Ledger for Sub Offices: (1) In sub offices, SB ledger (SB-1)will be used for savings accounts. ‘These are bound books and one leaf may be allotted to each account. The transactions will be entered in the ledger as and when they occur. The balance in the balance column should be written by the Sub Postmaster himself.

(2) The account number should be noted at the top in the cage provided for the purpose. All other entries and procedure laid down in Rule 13(1) will also be applicable.

(3) When the leaf allotted to an account is completed, the entries at the top of the page should be copied in a new leaf and the words “Carried over to page……………” should be entered at the bottom of the page. In the new page, the last balance should be carried over with the words “Brought forward from page…………”. The Sub Postmaster should check the entries and sign and date both the entries in the new page and the old page.

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(4) Each entry of transaction should be attested by the signature of the Sub Postmaster and signature of SB Assistant, where there is one, in the columns prescribed for the purpose.

(5) There are 250 pages in each ledger. 20 pages should be left blank in each ledger for carry over of accounts whose pages are completed.

(6) The ledgers should remain in the custody of the Sub Postmaster after the working hours of the SB Branch.

SUPPLY OF SAVINGS BANK LEDGER COPIES

15. A depositor may obtain ledger copy of his Savings account on payment of a fee of two rupees for every thirty entries or part thereof. For this purpose, the depositor should make an application in writing to the Head Postmaster concerned and in case, an application is made to any postal authority, such authority shall forward it to the Head Postmaster concerned.

The Post Office should accept the fee in cash by granting a receipt in form ACG-67 to the depositor and credit the amount in the schedule of Unclassified Receipts. The Postmaster should satisfy himself before asking the depositor to credit the amount that the person making the application is the bonafide depositor by making such enquiries as he considers proper. Normally the Postmaster can satisfy about this with reference to the depositor’s specimen signature available on record in his office.

The ledger copy shall be prepared by the H.O. Ledger Assistant and it shall be authenticated over the signature of the Postmaster. Thereafter, it shall be handed over to the depositor personally or posted to him as the situation demands.

BINDERS FOR LEDGER CARDS

16. (1) Ledger cards should be kept serially arranged in binders supplied for the purpose. Each binder will contain 300 ledger cards. When a binder contains the cards of more than one S.O., a blank-sheet of thick paper will be kept as a separator between the cards of two S.Os.

(2) When the SBCO requires any binder for check, agreement, etc., the same should be transferred by the Ledger Assistant under aquittance. The SBCO should return the same before the end of the day for safe-custody. The restrictions for the return of binders before the close of the day will not apply in the following cases when the SBCOs have to perform the work on overtime/honorarium basis beyond duty hours: -

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

(v)

(3) In the above cases, the binders will be transferred to SBCO in the evening under receipt by the SB Branch. The in charge SBCO should ensure that the binders are kept in safe-custody under lock and key when not in use during the night and that these are transferred to SB Branch under receipt the next day morning.

(4) The binders will be kept locked up in ledger almirahs at the close of the day. The key of the almirahs will be kept in the custody of APM overnight and will be handed over to the ledger Assistant at the time of commencement of work each day.

(5) All the binders in the Head Office will be reviewed once a year after the interest statement for savings account has been prepared and after the annual list of balances in respect of other types of accounts has been done. The ledger cards of two or more binders will be amalgamated to form one binder which should contain about 300 ledger cards. The regrouping of binders will be done by the Postmaster in consultation with the officer in charge of the SBCO on the last date of March to enable the SBCO to adjust the balances of SB-62/SB-85 registers. After regrouping, the serial number of binders in the Head Office will be changed and ledger chart also prepared afresh, a copy of which will be supplied by the SB Branch to the SBCO.

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(6) Use of Binder Top Sheet

(i) Every binder must have a top sheet of ledger card with the information as given in the specimen below. More than one Top Sheet may be used, if necessary.

(ii) Whenever a new ledger card is brought into use either for opening of a new account or as a continuation of a used up ledger card, thr ledger card must bear the full signature and name of supervisor at the top under the cage for account no./denomination. The ledger card must also be impressed with SB date stamp of the HO so as to authenticate its insertion in the binder.

(iii)Each posting in the ledger card should be under the full signature of the ledger Assistant and Postmaster/Supervisor.

(iv) After every re-grouping of binder the top binder sheet should be kept in the binder.

(v) Particulars of all ledger cards may be given in the column relating to “From-To” (For example A/c No.6715050 to 65,6715069 to 72, especially when there is a break in continuity due to segregation, re-grouping, etc.)

(vi) For noting account numbers of accounts due to closure, induction of new cards in lieu of used up cards, revival of silent accounts cards, etc sufficient space has been provided in the proforma.

(vii) Entries in the un-utilized column may be made in red ink instead of blue ink.

(viii)The size and thickness of the Top Sheet should be same as that of the ledger card.

BINDER TOP SHEET

1. Sl.No. of Binder

1.

3. Ledger cards of Account Numbers From _______ To________

In the binder From _______ To________

From _______ To________

From _______ To________

(4) Details of ledger cards removed due to _____________________

(indicate the account number under the appropriate column).

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DATE OF AGREEMNT

P.A. (SBCO) P.A. (SBCO)

Name Name

Signature Signature

Date Date

Name Name

Signature Signature

Date Date

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PREPARATION OF DUPLIATE LEDGER CARD

17. (1) When it is found that the original ledger card of an account is missing, the pass book should be obtained from the depositor and the balance as on 31st March preceding appearing in the pass book should be tallied with the last interest statement available in the SBCO. Further transactions, if any, found entered in the pass book for the current year should be checked with the lists of transactions which will be available with the SBCO. In the case of a cheque account, the cheque book should also be obtained and all the transactions of cheques issued should be compared with the list of transactions. After the balance is thus checked, a duplicate ledger card should be prepared with the indication “Duplicate” in red ink at the top. This should be signed and dated by the Assistant Postmaster (Savings Bank) impressing his designation stamp below. In the duplicate ledger card, the balance as on 31st March preceding should be first shown and all the subsequent transactions of the current year entered noting the interest bearing balances for each month in the relevant column. In respect of cheque account, care should be taken to ensure that cheques paid but not entered in the pass book are duly noted in the duplicate ledger card/pass book. All the entries will be initialed by the ledger Assistant and the APM (SB). The incharge of the SBCO should check the last balance shown on the duplicate ledger card and authenticate it with his dated initials and designation. The duplicate ledger card will be kept in its proper place in the relevant binder. After the above action is completed, the pass book and/or cheque book should be returned to the depositor.

(2) Preparation of duplicate ledger card for account standing at SO or BO in account with SO: When an account stands at a Sub Office or Branch Office in account with a Sub Office and the ledger cared is found to be wanting, the Sub Postmaster should be asked by the HO to obtain and forward the pass book and also cheque book in case of cheque account from the depositor after verification of the balance with the sub office ledger/journal with a forwarding letter containing a certificate signed by the Sub Postmaster that the balance appearing in the pass book agrees with the balance found in the Sub Office/ledger/journal. On receipt of these documents in the HO, action as in (1) above will be taken by the Head Office. After the preparation of the duplicate ledger card, the pass book/cheque book will be returned to the SO for delivery to the depositor. (3) In the case of CTD/RD/TD/MIS/SCSS accounts, the Head Office will first check the balances in the pass book as on 31st December preceding with the annual list of balances which will be available in SBCO instead of interest statement and then, the subsequent transactions with the lists of transaction.

(4) Whenever a duplicate ledger card is prepared, a remark regarding preparation of duplicate ledger card with balance and DLT be made in the remarks column against the relevant entry of the account number in the Index to ledger cards.

INDEX TO LEDGER CARDS (SB-78)

18. (1) In Head Office, the index to ledger cards should be maintained separately for each office according to Serial No. of accounts. For this purpose, each Head Office will be supplied with a strong bound blank book ruled into 5 columns to show:-

(a) Serial No.

(b) Date of opening.

(c) Account No.

(d) Name and address of depositor.

(e) Remarks (transfer, etc. with date) and signature of Postmaster.

The entries in the index should be made at the time the account is opened whether as a new account or on transfer. The number should be assigned to all accounts from this index. When an account is closed either by withdrawal of the balance or by transfer or opened on transfer or treated as silent, the following entry, as may be appropriate to the case, should be made in the remarks column and the number of the account should be rounded off in red ink except in the case of accounts opened on transfer: -

(a) Closed on ………..(date)

(b) Transferred to …….S.O. under………H.O……..(date)

(c) Transferred from………H.O. Account No…….on……..(date)

(d) Treated as silent in……….(year)

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(2) The Postmaster shall sign against each entry or remark made in the index.

(3) When nomination is made in an account, the indication “(N)” should be made in capital letters, in red ink, after the account number in column 3 of register.

(4) At the close of each month, a summary should be drawn up in the register in the form given below:-

Summary for the month of………….

1. Number of accounts at the close of the previous month.

2. Number of new accounts opened (Serial No. from………to……)

3. Number of accounts deleted (Serial Nos……….)

4. Number of accounts at the close of the month).

Ledger Assistant Postmaster

(5) When a sub office is transferred to another head office, the index pertaining to that sub office shall be transferred to the new head office.

(6) A separate Index will be maintained for each type of account viz. Savings/RD/TD/MIS/NSS/PPF. In the case of TD accounts, it will be maintained category-wise.

(7) The Index to ledger cards will be maintained by the APM/Deputy Postmaster (SB) personally and will be kept in his personal custody.

LEDGER CHART

19. The HO should maintain a chart in the following form for each of the ledger Assistant separately for each type of account.

Name of office…………………………………………………………………

Block Nos. assigned…………………………to……………………………

Binder No……………………………………………………………………..

Account Nos./From………………………….to…………………………..

A copy of the chart should be given to the Ledger Assistant Concerned and the Control Organisation. As and when a new binder is opened an intimation should be given to the Control Organisation of the number of the last ledger card in the last binder and the first card in the new binder. Additions should also be made in the copies of the chart in the Savings Bank branch.

Note:- A statement of the block numbers fixed for the HO and each of the sub offices should be got painted on a board or prepared in bold letters/figures in manuscript and the boards hung in a conspicuous place in the Saving Bank branch.

TYPES OF SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

20. Under Rule 4 of Post Office Savings Account Rules, 1981 the following types of accounts can be opened.

(1) Individual Accounts: -

(i) Single account including minor account and an account opened on behalf of a person of unsound mind

(ii) Joint Account

(iii) Pension Account

(iv) Provident Fund, Superannuation Fund, Gratuity Fund account opened on behalf of individual members.

(v) Sanchayika Account.

(2) A brief detail of each type of account is given below: -

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I. Single and Joint Account: - Single accounts can be opened by an adult or a minor or on behalf of a minor or a person of unsound mind by a guardian. Joint accounts can be opened by two or three adults to be operated by them (a) jointly or by the survivors/survivor which is called Joint-A type account (b) either of them/any of them or either of the survivors or survivor which is called Joint-B type account. Any number of the accounts can be opened by the depositor(s) but NOT more than one single and one joint account can be opened in each post office. The maximum limit of balance in single and joint account is Rs.1, 00,000 and Rs.2, 00,000 respectively. When the maximum balance is reached in the account, no further deposits should be accepted.

If the depositor has more than one account, the total balance of all accounts together with his share in a Joint account, if any, should not exceed Rs.1, 00,000 at any time.

II.

Note: - A minor can open and operate on an account only when he has attained the age of ten years.

(2) Only guardian can open account on behalf of a minor. Guardian in relation to a minor means: -

(i) Father or mother, and

(ii) Where neither parent is alive, or where the only living parent is incapable of acting, a person entitled under the law for the time being in force to have the care of the property of the minor.

(3) Ordinarily, a minor attains majority on the completion of 18 years of age but in the cases mentioned below the minor does not attain majority until he has competed the age of 21 years.

(a) A minor of whose person, property or both, a guardian other than the natural guardian for a suit has been appointed or declared by a Court of Justice before the minor has attended the age of 18 years.

(b) Where the superintendence of the property of the minor has been assumed by any Court of Ward before the minor has attained the age of 18 years.

(4) If in the case of an account opened on behalf of a minor himself, the date of attainment of his majority requires to be altered by order of a Court of Justice or Court of Wards, the alteration should be made neatly over the Postmaster’s initials in the application form, ledger card and also in the pass book when next presented .In the Head Office the Court’s orders will be preserved in a guard file serially numbered. The serial number of Court’s order will also be noted in the concerned application form to facilitate future reference. In sub offices the Court’s order will be forwarded to the Head Office entered in the list of documents.

(5) If an account is to be opened on behalf of a minor the application form for opening the account should be submitted by the guardian of the minor. The guardian should furnish a declaration in the application form that the total amount in all the accounts of the minor opened by the minor himself/herself or on his/her behalf will not, at any time, exceed the maximum limit of balance fixed for a single account. When the account is opened by the minor, he/she himself/herself should furnish the application form. If in furnishing information about the date of birth in the application form the year only is given and the month and date of birth is not known the 1st July of that year will be taken as the date of birth. If only the month and year are given, 16th of the month will be taken as the date of birth.

(6) The minor, on whose behalf account has been opened by the guardian, on attaining majority should fill in an application form (SB-3) if he/she desires to continue the account and also furnish the following further declaration.

“I further declare that I have/I shall have, after the expiry of one month from the date of my attaining majority, not more than one account standing in my own name at any Post Office Savings Bank. In the event of this declaration proving incorrect, I shall be liable to forfeit interest from the date of my attaining majority to the date of closure of one of the two accounts standing open in any Post Office”.

The declaration should be attested either by the person who was operating the account or by a trustworthy person known to the Post Office.

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(7) If the ex-minor resides at another station, the postmaster of that station should take the above action, have the minor identified in his presence and certify to that effect on the application form, which he should then sign and forward along with other documents obtained from the party to the head office where the account stands.

(8) In sub-offices, when an ex-minor desires to continue his account, the documents should be sent to the head office for action as above. In the case of continuance of the account, a specimen signature of the ex-minor should also be obtained on the specimen signature slip for pasting it in the specimen signature book of the sub-office.

III.

(2) An account opened on behalf of a person of unsound mind by a manager or guardian appointed by a Court of Law or the Superintendent of a Mental Hospital, may, in the event of the court or the Superintendent of Mental Hospital subsequently declaring such person of unsound mind to be sane, be operated by the ex-lunatic on his/her furnishing the following declaration in addition to a fresh application form (SB-3).

“I further declare that I have/I shall have, after the expiry of one month from the date of my becoming sane, not more than one account standing in my name at any Post Office Savings Bank. In the event of this declaration proving in-correct, I shall be liable to forfeit interest from the date of my being declared sane to the date of closure of one of the two accounts standing open in any post office”.

(3) In sub-offices, besides the fresh application form and the declaration mentioned above, a fresh specimen signature of the ex-lunatic should be obtained on a separate slip for record in the specimen signature book. The authority from the Court of Law or the Superintendent of the Mental Hospital declaring such person of unsound mind to be sane, should be forwarded to the head office entered in the list of documents along with the fresh application form. Suitable remarks should also be made in the sub office ledger, ledger card and the index to S.B. ledger cards in the Head Office and in the pass book, when presented by the depositor.

IV.

(2) In a pension account, the Head Savings Bank or Sub Savings Bank is authorized to recover any amount credited in excess. An application for withdrawal will be used for the purpose with suitable remarks showing the reasons for the withdrawal. An intimation to the pensioner should be sent in that case explaining why the balance in his account is reduced.

V. Provident Fund Accounts: (1) The authority controlling the Provident Fund may open PF account on behalf of its individual members. Withdrawals from a provident fund account or its transfer to another post office must not be allowed without the written sanction from the authority concerned.

(2) In the case of individual provident fund account, if the depositor dies or becomes insane or otherwise incapable of managing his own affairs, it is for the concerned authority to withdraw the entire balance for settling the claim. Post offices should not entertain any claim in this behalf from the depositor or his heirs.

(3) In the case of accounts opened on behalf of individual members, the specimen signature should also be obtained from the individuals and kept on record.

VI. Superannuation and Gratuity Fund Accounts: -These accounts can be opened on behalf of the individual members by the authority controlling the fund. The accounts will be operated by the authority controlling the fund or the members on production of a letter of authorization from such authority.

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VII. Sanchayika Accounts: - Sanchayika means a Savings bank run by the children in any school or college for collecting the savings of the students of the school or college. A single savings account called a “Sanchayika Account” will be opened by the authority controlling the fund in the school or college in the name of the Sanchayika. The account will be opened in name of Principal/Teacher and two students not less than 10 years of age. The account will be operated by these individuals jointly. In case any of the depositors leave the school their name will be substituted by others with the authorization of the Principal. A copy of the resolution establishing the Sanchayika will be forwarded to the post office at which the account is to be opened along with application form (SB-3).

(VIII) Accounts not bearing interest: - (1) If at the time of opening an account, the intending depositor expresses his unwillingness to receive interest on the deposits in his account, he should be requested to record a statement to that effect under his own signature in the application form for opening of the account. The words “No interest” should then be written prominently in red ink across the top left hand side of the application form, on page one of the pass book given to the depositor and at the head of the depositor’s account in the ledger cared/ledger.

(2) If a depositor who has opened an account not bearing interest applies afterwards to get interest in his account, he will not be allowed to change the option midway during the currency of the account except in the manner set out below: -

(i) Savings Account: The depositor may be advised to close the “No Interest Account” and open a new account.

(ii) RD Account: - The account will not be allowed to be closed before expiry of three year from the date of its opening. If the depositor expresses his desire to revise his option so as to get interest on his deposits before three year, he may be advised to stop making further deposits in the account and to open a new Recurring Deposit Account. ‘No Interest Account’ may be allowed to be closed prematurely after three year from the date of opening of the account and the amount of deposits refunded without interest.

(iii) TD Account: - The account will not be allowed to be closed before expiry of six months from the date of its opening. After six months, the account may be allowed to be closed prematurely and the amount of deposit refunded without interest.

(3) If a depositor who has opened Savings/RD/TD account(s) bearing interest declines afterwards to accept interest, interest will cease to accrue from the month in which the application is made. The words “No Interest” should be written in the pass book and the ledger card/ledger. The depositor should submit a fresh application form (SB-3) which should be kept along with the old form.

(4) In Sub Offices, such applications should be date stamped and forwarded with the fresh application form to the Head Office duly entered in the list of documents after keeping a note in the Sub Office ledger/journal.

Note: - In respect of RD accounts now such application will be kept by the Departmental Sub Offices in a guard file and will not be sent to the head office.

SPECIMEN SIGNATURE CARDS/BOOKS

21. (1) For each type of accounts specimen signature cards for verifying the signature of the depositors are required to he maintained. The application forms (SB-3) containing specimen signatures are to be kept in guard files with rings in serial order of accounts office wise in the head office for reference and verification. Each guard file will contain 150-200 application forms so that it may be convenient in handling. The guard file will also contain an index in alphabetical order. The guard files should be kept in steel almirahs of proper size along with ledgers/binders. At the end of the day these almirahs should be locked by the Postmaster who should retain the keys.

Note: - The specimen signature cards (SB-106) which were obtained prior to 1-4-1982 are to be kept along with the old application cards (SB-3) which are for accounts opened before the introduction of the new form (SB-3).

(2) The signature in the specimen signature card and/or in the application form (SB-3) should be used to check the signature on the application for withdrawal (SB-7), application for the transfer of the account and other application purporting to have been made by the depositor.

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(3) If it is noticed that the signature of a depositor has changed owing to any change in his handwriting or that a depositor has altered his manner of signing his name, he should be requested to give a specimen of his newly adopted signature on a specimen signature slip which should be pasted over the previous specimen. In every such case the postmaster should before allowing the account to be operated on or transferred take steps to establish the identity of the person purporting to be the depositor.

(4) In sub offices a specimen signature book (SB-6) is maintained for keeping the specimen signatures of depositors. The specimen signatures of the depositors should be pasted in the S.S. Book and countersigned in red ink by the SPM after noting the account number on the slip. The SS slip should be date stamped in such a manner that part of the impression falls on the slip and part on the leaf in the SS book.

(5) Whenever a fresh slip is to be pasted on the old specimen signature it should be pasted on only one edge so that it will be possible to refer to the old specimen signature when necessary.

(6) A printed slip [Form SB-6 (a)] has been prescribed for the specimen signature of a depositor. Specimen signature on an ordinary piece of paper instead of on a printed slip should also be accepted.

(7) When there is change of incumbent in the case of an account opened by the Superintendent of a Mental Hospital on behalf of a patient confined in any such hospital, a fresh application form (SB-3) containing the specimen signatures of the new incumbent should be obtained and procedure as per Rule 72 followed.

(8) In Sub Offices the signature of the new agent, incumbent or T.I. of the illiterate depositor should also be obtained on one of the prescribed slips, which should be pasted in the specimen signature book. The fresh application form should be sent to the Head Office in the usual course.

(9) Supervising Officers should make a point of checking at random the specimen signatures at the time of inspection to ensure that all are on record. Head and Sub Postmasters should examine the specimen signatures periodically to see that they are properly kept and must ensure that withdrawals from Savings Bank accounts are not allowed in the absence of specimen signature.

(10) When an account is closed, the application form of the account should be removed from the guard file and attached to the relative warrant of payment and sent to the Control Organization. In case of an account transferred to another head office, the application form should be taken out and sent to the transferee Head Office along with the advice of transfer. As regards transfer of an account to another office under the same Head Office the application form should be transferred to the guard file of the new office after allotting a new account number.

(11) In Sub Offices when an account is closed or transferred, a red ink line should be drawn through the relative entry in the specimen signature book maintained by them with the remarks “Closed on…….. (date),” “Transferred to ………………… office on ……..” made in the remarks column under the dated signature of the SPM.

(12) The specimen signature books should remain in the custody of the sub postmaster after the working hours of the SB branch.

NOMINATION

22. (1) – A person or persons opening a single or joint account may nominate any person or persons who in the event of his/their death shall become entitled to the payment of the amount due on the account by filling in the required entries in the application form (SB-3). The depositor(s) of an account may also apply for nomination to the head office of the office at which the account stands at any time after opening the account in form (SB-55) together with the pass book. No nomination shall be made in respect of an account opened by or on behalf of a minor or a person of unsound mind.

Note: - The depositor(s) can also make nomination in favour of Institutions, Associations, Unions, Clubs, Guilds, Organisation etc. The words ‘person or persons’ occurring in para (1) above, in whose favour nomination can be made will also cover Institutions, Associations etc.

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(2) The nomination, its cancellation or variation, when it is registered, takes effect from the date of presentation at the post office where the account stands, regardless of when it is registered by the Head Office. The date of presentation will be evidenced by the date stamp of the Branch, Sub or Head Post Office at which the account is opened or stands. When presented, the nomination is to be signed by the Branch, Sub and Head Postmaster as well as impressed with the date stamp of the office.

(3) (i) The nomination portion on the reverse of form(SB-3) and application for nomination (SB-55) received in the Head Office direct or through the sub offices should be scrutinized and signature verified. If in order, the nomination should be accepted under the dated signature of the Postmaster. It should then be registered in the Register of Nominations (Form SB-56) (Annexure-2). A rubber stamp” Nomination registered under No…….on (date)………” should be embossed on the top of the ledger card under the dated signature of the Postmaster. The name(s) and address (es) of the nominee(s) should also be entered in the ledger card in the prescribed column.

(ii) A monthly summary should be drawn up in the register of nominations (SB-56) in the following form: -

Summary for the month of…………….

1. Number of nominations in force at the close of he previous month.

2. Number of nominations made during the month.

3. Number of nominations deleted on account of closure or transfer of account/cancellation of nomination, etc.

4. Number of nominations in force at the end of the month.

Ledger Assistant Postmaster

(4) The name(s) of the nominee(s) will be entered in the pass book if the sentence. “The name(s) of the nominee(s) may not be entered in the pass book”, appearing in the application form, is scored out. Otherwise, the name(s) of the nominee(s) will not be entered in the pass book but the date of the nomination, the date of registration of the nomination and the number of registration of the nomination will, in any case, be recorded under the dated signature of the Postmaster. Attention of the depositor should be drawn by the counter Assistant to this provision when he makes the application. The form does not provide for a separate acknowledgment of the nomination to the depositor.

(5) Whenever a ledger card is used up and a fresh one is prepared, particulars of nomination should also be recorded on the fresh ledger cared. Similarly, the particulars of nomination should be recorded in the pass book whenever a fresh pass book is issued in lieu of used up or lost one.

(6) Procedure in Departmental Sub Offices when the depositor applies for nomination at the time of opening the account: - If the depositor applies for a “nomination” in the application form (SB-3), the pass book shall be prepared by the SPM and delivered to the depositor immediately. In such cases, the HO on receipt of the application form (SB-3) form the sub office, will take necessary action to register the nomination in its records and intimate the details of registration, namely, No of registration and date of registration to the sub office concerned immediately through the S.B. Slip. The SPM shall take action to record these particulars on the top of the SB ledger of the account concerned or in the SB Journal against relevant entry and sign them under his dated signature. These particulars shall also be noted by the SPM on the first page of the pass book and signed by him, when the pass book is presented by the depositor for next transaction. The nomination, on registration in the head office, will be effective from the date of its presentation. This date will be noted in all the relevant records under the signature of the SPM. The name of the nominee will be entered in the pass book if the depositor has opted for it in the application form. In case of accounts opened in branch offices, if there is any request for nomination from the depositor in the application (SB-3), similar action shall be taken by the SPM. The Branch Postmaster should be instructed to obtain the pass book from the depositor when it is presented at his office for next transaction and forward it to the sub office so that the particulars of registration of nomination may be recorded in the pass book.

Note: - In respect of RD/MIS Senior Citizen Savings accounts the nomination will be registered at departmental sub offices as these sub offices are now competent to open and close these accounts without the prior sanction of the head office. These offices will now maintain registers of nominations for these accounts.

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(7) (i) A nomination made by a depositor under sub-rule (1) may be cancelled or changed by the depositor. A fee of rupee one shall be chargeable on every application for registration of a nomination or of any variation in nomination or cancellation thereof; provided that no fee shall be charged on an application for registration of the first nomination. Whenever depositor desires to change or cancel a nomination he should fill in the prescribed form of application (SB-55) and present the same along with the pass book with the prescribed fee in postage stamps affixed on it. The application will be verified in the same manner as an original application for nomination. On receipt in the Head office it will be scrutinized with reference to the original nomination and the specimen signature and if found in order the change/cancellation shall be accepted by the Postmaster under his dated signature.

(ii) In case of cancellation a rubber stamp “Nomination cancelled” should be affixed on (a) the original application for nomination form (SB-3)/application (SB-55) (b) the ledger card (c) the pass book and (d) in the remarks column against the entry in the register of Nominations under the dated signature of the Postmaster. The application for cancellation should be filed with the original application for nomination

(iii) In case of change a rubber stamp “Nomination altered under No……… on (date)……” should be affixed on (i) the original application in form (SB-3)/application for nomination (S.B.-55) (ii) the ledger card (iii) the pass book and (iv) in the remarks column against the entry in the register of Nominations under the dated signature of the Postmaster. The Nomination should be registered under a fresh serial number in the register of Nominations.

(iv) The postage stamp affixed on the application should be defaced with the date stamp of the office.

(v) The application for nomination (Form SB-55) will be kept in a guard file. The application for cancellation or change (SB-55) should be filed in the guard file along with original application for nomination or application form (SB-3).

Note: - If for any reason the application for nomination or change in nomination given by the depositor is not accepted, he should be informed in writing the reasons for non-acceptance.

8. (i) When a depositor makes a nomination or cancels/changes the nomination already made, using form SB-55 at a sub office, the Sub Postmaster will send the application to Head Post Office making the following remarks over his signature in the column for ‘detail’ in the pass book against the entry of the last transaction over him signature.

“SB-55 sent to H.O. on ………(date)”. The Head Office will register the nomination, cancellation or change, as the case may be, and communicate the registration number and names(s) of the nominees(s) to the Sub Office through the SB slip for record in the SB ledger of the sub office as well as the pass book when presented for the next transaction by the depositor.

(ii) For an account standing at a Branch Office, the Branch Postmaster will send the form SB-55 to the Account office (sub office) making the remarks “SB-55 sent to Account Office on…….(date) ‘’ in the column for details in the pass book against the entry of the last transaction over his signature.

The Account office will deal with it as it would with application in form SB-55 tendered at the office except for the pass book. When the particulars of registration are to be noted in the pass book, Account office will call for the pass book from the Branch Postmaster, to be sent when presented for transaction next, make the prescribed entries therein over dated signature and return the pass book to the Branch Post Office for delivery to the depositor.

(iii) If the Branch Office is directly in account with the Head office, the procedure of sending the pass book along with the nomination will be followed.

(iv) Extra Departmental Sub Offices will follow the procedure of sending the pass book along with the application for nomination to the Head Office.

(9) When an account in which a nomination exists is transferred to another Head Office, a remark “Nomination registered under No…… on ……” should be made on the advice of Transfer and a remark “Account transferred to …………………………. S.O./………………………….. H.O……………on…………………” in the remarks column of the register of nominations against the relevant entry. Where a nomination is made in a separate application in the form (SB-55), the application (SB-55) and application for change, if any, should also be sent with the Advice of Transfer. A

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Check Slip indicating the fact of transfer will be kept in its place in the guard file. In the receiving Head Post Office, the procedure laid down in sub para (1) above should be followed for the registration of nomination at the time of opening of the account. The revised registration number should be noted in the pass book when it is presented by the depositor.

In the case of transfer from one office to another under the same Head Office the new account number should be noted in the application for nomination (SB-55) or change, if any, and against the relevant entry in the register of nominations.

In case of account in respect of which a nomination has been made is closed by the depositor, the entry ‘cancelled by closure’ should be made in the application for nomination, the ledger card and the register of nominations.

(10) In respect of TD and other types of accounts, nomination register will be maintained separately for each type of account. In smaller offices separate pages for each type of account may be allotted in the same register.

(11) The register of nominations is an important and permanent record. It should be maintained properly and carefully. The register, when not in use, should always remain in the personal custody of the Postmaster/Sub Postmaster.

Note:- If the nomination was not registered in the usual course due to omission on the part of pot office, it can be registered at a later stage even after the death of the depositor. The nomination will be valid in such cases.

OPENING OF SAVINGS ACCOUNT

GENERAL RULES

Scrutiny of Application Form (SB-3)

23. Application of depositor: - (1) If a person wishing to open an account attends the post office, he should be requested to fill in application form (SB-3) and pay-in-slip (SB-103). In case he is an illiterate person, the post office staff may guide him in filling in the form. The depositor should be asked to get himself/herself introduced to the post office by a respectable person known to the post office or by a depositor who has a saving account with the same post office and has already been introduced to the post office or by any other means mentioned in Note 4 below.

Note 1: - The signature in the application form (SB3), if it is in English, must be in running hand and not in block letters.

Note 2: - While any one else can fill the form of pay-in-slip on behalf of the depositor, the SB Assistant, the Sub Postmaster, the Extra Departmental Sub Postmaster and the Branch Postmaster of the post office of the deposit is prohibited from filling the form on behalf of the depositor.

Note 3: - The depositor is required to sign the form (SB-3) only at one place for the nomination as well as the application.

Note 4: - With effect from 1.1.1990 at the time of opening of individual savings (whether cheque or non-cheque accounts) the introduction of the depositor will be necessary. All such accounts should be opened after proper introduction of the depositor. The introduction of the depositor will not be necessary for accounts of other scheme i.e. RD/TD/MIS/SCSS.

Following modes of introduction as prescribed for withdrawal of amount be accepted as introduction for opening of accounts.

(i)

(ii)

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(iii) Identification of the depositor by a person who holds an account in the same post office where the depositor is having his/her account.

(iii)

(iv)

Note 5:- If the introduction is accepted through any of the documents mentioned above, an attested copy of the same should also be attached with the form (SB-3).

Note 6: The initial deposit for opening of savings account shall be accepted in cash only w.e.f. 1.1.1990. This restriction will not apply to accounts of other schemes i.e. RD/TD/MIS/SCSS.

Note 7: Opening of Savings Bank Account in post offices by insured persons of ESI Corporation. The Saving account may be opened for insured persons of ESI Corporation on the basis of following documents.

(a)

(b) Photo-identity card issued by the local office.

(2) The application form (SB-3) should be scrutinized by the counter Assistant to see that all the entries are correctly and legibly filled in. He will also check the entries on the foil and the counterfoil of the pay-in-slip to ensure that the entries in both parts agree in all respects. After scrutiny of the application, as indicted below, the counter Assistant should accept the amount of deposit noted in the pay-in-slip. The following points should be particularly looked into: -

(i)

(ii)

Note: - Nomination is permissible in single including pension account and joint account. No nomination is permissible in an account opened by minor or on behalf of minor.

(iii)

Note: - Printers ink which is supplied for use with metal stamps and also Megneta ink can be used for taking thumb mark of the illiterate depositors who desire to open an account in the Post Office Savings Bank on SB-3.

(iv)

Note 1: - When an account is opened on behalf of a minor it is necessary to have record of the name of the person opening the account on behalf of the minor. The name is to be entered in block capitals letters below the applicant’s signature in the application.

Note 2: - A depositor whether literate or illiterate who has lost both of his/her hands can operate the account through the toe impression of his/her foot.

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(3) If a person wishing to open an account is a minor, and he/she desires to open in his/her own name and operate on it, he/she must himself submit the application form signed by him/her. No minor, however, has the right to open an account in his/her own name, unless and until he/she has attained the age of ten years.

(4) (i) When a person other than the Superintendent of a Mental Hospital or the Guardian applies for opening an account on behalf of a person of unsound mind, he should be requested produce the order of a court appointing him as the person of unsound mind’s manger or guardian.

(ii)

(5) Provident Fund Account: - Under Rule 4 (1) of the Post Office Savings Account Rules, 1981 a Provident Fund Account on behalf of each member of the fund, may be opened by the authority controlling the Provident Fund. At the time of opening the account a declaration may be obtained on the application form (SB-3) from the authority concerned to the effect that it is a Provident Fund within the meaning of sub-rule 2(d) of P.O. Savings Account Rules, 1981. No further enquiries on the part of the post office would be necessary. The words “Provident Fund Account” should be written on the application form. The specimen signature of the individual depositors may be obtained and kept on record.

ANNEXURE

SB-3 (a) [Referred in para 23 (2) (iii)]

Letter of authority to be produced by the agent transacting business on behalf of an illiterate/blind/physically handicapped depositor in the Post Office Savings Bank

To

The Postmaster,

___________________________

Sir,

I hereby authorize my agent named……………………….. to deposit money in my Savings Account and to withdraw money from my account and generally to transact business on my behalf with the Post Office Savings Bank at………………………………

A specimen of my agent’s signature is given below.

Note: - If the agent of a depositor is changed the new agent will be required to produce a fresh letter of authority.

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Opening of Account through Field Post Offices by Defence Personnel

24. (1) Under the rules of the Postal Manual (War), savings bank deposits are received at all field post offices for credit, free of charges, to post office Savings Bank accounts standing at civil Post Offices.

(2) When a savings bank deposit is received by a Field post office the amount will be remitted by money order to the head office on the ledger of which the depositor’s account stands or (in the case of new account) is to stand. No commission will be charged on the money order which will be termed as “SB” money order and the letter “SB” will be prefixed to the number of the money order wherever it occurs. The following particulars will be given on the coupon of the money order under the field postmaster’s signature.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(3) In the case of existing accounts, the deposits will be credited in the accounts concerned in the head office by the Postmaster. Necessary intimation of credit will be sent to the sub office or branch office in account for the deposit in case the account stands opened in the sub office or branch office, as the case may be.

(4) In the case of a new account, S.B. Money Order should be sent by the field office to the Head Post Office enclosed in a registered cover addressed to the Head Postmaster concerned along with the application form (SB-3),pay-in-slip and one additional specimen signature slip in case the account is to be opened at a sub office or branch office in direct account with the head post office or two additional specimen signature slips in case the account is to be opened at a branch office in account with a sub office. The head office should after necessary scrutiny of the documents as prescribed in rule 23 open the account for the depositor and prepare a pass book as per rule 25 and send it to the field postmaster along with the receipted counterfoil of the pay-in-slip for delivery to the depositor in case the account is to stand at the head office or a branch office in direct account or a E.D. sub office. The date of issue of money order should be accepted as the date of opening the account. The application form should be placed in the proper place in the guard office. If the account is to stand in the branch office in direct account with the H.O., the H.O. will communicate the transaction along with the specimen signature slip to the branch office in the next B.O. slip.

(5) If the new account is to be opened at departmental sub office or in branch Office in account with such sub office, the M.O. will be redirected and other documents sent to the sub office by the postmaster. The postmaster should also send the application form (SB-3), pay-in-slip and additional specimen signature(s) to the sub postmaster. The S.P.M. will take action to open the new account and send the pass book and receipted counterfoil of the pay-in-slip to the field post office concerned directly. Suitable remarks should be made in the S.O. ledger, Long Book and the list of transactions against the entry. The opening of the new account will be intimated to the Head office in the usual manner. In case the account is to be opened in a Branch Office, the sub office should communicate the transaction to the Branch Office in the next B.O. slip and specimen signature slip should also be sent. The M.O. coupon should be attached with pay-in-slip and sent to the head office along with the application form and list of transactions.

(6) If the new account is to stand at a E.D. sub office or a branch office in account with such a sub office, the transaction should be communicated and specimen signature slip sent to the sub office in the next S.B. slip with instructions (a) to enter the deposit in the sub office ledger, (b) to note the number of account in its serial order in the specimen signature book and (c) in case where a branch office of the sub office is concerned, to communicate the transaction in the next B.O. slip to the branch office for entry in red ink in the Savings Bank journal.

(7) A savings Bank money order received by the Head Office or sub office from the Field Post Office should be encashed under the Postmaster’s signature and the money order coupon transferred to the S.B. branch along with the application form and pay-in-slip in the case of new account to be opened.

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(8) M.O. Coupon should be attached to the Pay-in-slip and should be preserved/destroyed along with the latter.

(9) In case of subsequent deposits received through the Field Post Office the Pay-in-Slip will be prepared by the Head or Sub Office, as the case may be, and signed by the Postmaster/Sub Postmaster. The counterfoil of the pay-in-slip should be pasted to the reverse of the money order acknowledgement, i.e. the side on which the signature of the payee appears. The Postmaster will ensure that this is done by the counter Assistant. All such Savings Bank money order acknowledgements will be transferred on the same day to the Money Order Paid Branch by the entry in the hand-to-hand receipt book of the SB Branch. The M.O. Paid Branch will post these SB MO acknowledgements to the concerned field Postmaster in a service envelope.

Note 1.:- As per above rule the savings bank deposits in respect of Defence Personnel are remitted through the S.B.M.O. by the Field Post Offices for deposits in the savings accounts standing open in civil Post Offices in the name of Defence Personnel only. A doubt has been raised whether this facility is available for deposits in the savings accounts standing open in the name of minors and operated by the Defence Personnel. It is clarified that the Defence Personnel can remit S.B.M.O. in respect of savings accounts operated by them on behalf of minors also.

Note 2.:- The procedures described above will also apply to deposits in other types of accounts viz. CTD, RD, and TD.

OPENING OF ACCOUNTS- PROCEDURE IN HO FOR PREPARATION OF PASS BOOKS AND LEDGER CARDS

25. (1) (a) The counter Assistant will accept the application form (SB-3) and the pay-in-slip. He will scrutinize the application form in a accordance with Rule 23 (1). He will ensure that the entries in both the parts of pay-in-slip are not only compete but also agree in all respects. After collecting the amount of deposits, he will impress the date stamp at the marked places on both the parts in the pay-in-slip and sign both the parts at the placed marked “SB Assistants.” He will then make an entry in the Long Book indicating the amount of deposit with a remark “New Account”. The serial number of the entry in the long book should be noted on the top right corner of the application form (SB-3). The application form and pay-in-slip should then be transferred to the ledger Assistant. A token may be issued to the depositor who may be told to wait for the pass book.

Note: - If the instant counter service is not available in the Head Office, the long book will be maintained by the Postmaster and not by the counter Assistant.

(b) On receipt of the application for opening the account and pay-in-slip from the counter Assistant, the ledger Assistant will refer to the Index to Ledger Cards, note the next number therein and enter the number in the pass book, ledger card, application form and pay-in-slip. He will then prepare the ledger card “SB-1” and the pass book with the entry of deposit. The particulars of the depositor as entered in the application form should be noted in the ledger card and the pass book. The type of the account, if any, should also be invariably noted in all the documents. If the applicant has made a nomination of a successor in the application form, the ledger Assistant should follow the procedure laid down in rule 22(1) for registration of nomination.

(2) Minor Account: - If the account opened is on behalf of a minor, the following additional entry should be made in red ink on page 1 of the pass book.

“To be operated through minor’s guardian during minority of the depositor. The minor will attain majority on the………….”. date to be calculated from the date of minor’s birth as declared by the guardian in the application form.

In case the account is operated by the minor himself the date of birth and the date of attainment of majority should be noted in red ink on page 1 of the pass book. The date of birth should also be noted in the ledger card.

(3) In the case of an account opened by an illiterate, blind and physically handicapped depositor to be operated through a literate agent, the following entry should be made in red ink on page 1 of the pass book and ledger card: Through the agent Shri…………………….”(name of the agent)

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The letter of authority obtained from the depositor should be filed in a separate guard file, after noting the account number on it. The serial number of the letter in the guard be noted on the ledger card for facility of reference.

(4) The pass book, application form (SB-3), pay-in-slip, Index to ledger cards and ledger card should then be transferred to the Postmaster for necessary check and authentication. On receipt, the Postmaster should compare the entries in these documents, sign the application form, sign the ledger card and the Index to ledger cards on page 1 of the pass book and initial against the entry of deposit therein. The ledger card should also be authenticated by him after impressing his designation stamp on the top right corner. He should then return the ledger card and the Index to ledger cards to the ledger Assistant and the pass book, application form and pay-in-slip to the counter Assistant.

(5) The counter Assistant, on receipt of the pass book, application form and pay-in-slip should compare the amount of deposit in the pass book with pay-in-slip and the long book if it is maintained by him and note the account number in the long book. He will deliver the pass book and the counterfoil of the pay-in-slip to the depositor after collecting the token from him. The application form should be kept at the proper place in the guard file. The foil of the pay-in-slip will serve as a voucher for the deposit.

Note: - Provision for the date stamp and signature of the Branch, Sub and Head Postmaster has been made in form (SB-3) below para 7 in attestation of the application. If an account is opened at branch post office, the date stamp of Branch Office, Account Office and Head Office will be impressed on the form. The Branch Postmaster, the Sub Postmaster, where branch post office is in account with a sub post office, and the Head Postmaster will affix their signature in the place provided. If an account is opened at a sub post office, the date stamp of the sub post office and the head post office will be impressed and the form will be signed by the Sub Postmaster and the Head Postmaster.

Procedure when the initial deposit is made by cheque

26. (1) With effect from 1.1.1990 the initial deposit for opening a savings account should be mad in cash only. This restriction will not apply to RD/TD/MIS/SCSS account where the account can also be opened by cheque. The procedure detailed below will apply to these types of accounts. The sub offices will follow the procedure in respect of those types of accounts which these are authorised to open. Commission on outstation cheques where they can be accepted will be recovered in cash from the depositor.

Note:- The cheque should be drawn in favour of either the Postmaster to whom the application (SB-3) is presented for the depositor. If the cheque is drawn in favour of the Postmaster by the depositor or by a person other than the depositor, it must be endorsed on its back as, “For opening of ……… account in the name of ………………………………….(Signature of drawer).” In case the cheque is drawn in favour of depositor, it must be endorsed by the depositor for payment to Postmaster on its back as,” Pay to Postmaster ………………………………. PO for opening of ………………. Account in the name of ……………………… (Signature of depositor).”

(2)

(ii) The pass book will be sent to the depositor by registered post and registration receipt pasted in the long book against the relevant entry without obscuring any other entry in the book.

(iii)

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(iv) In case of Extra-Departmental Sub Offices, the application form (SB-3), pay in-slip and the cheque will be received in the Head Office for collection . After collection of the cheque, the account will be opened and entry of the amount of the deposit made in Part II of the list of transactions of the Head Office and Part III of concerned sub office. The pass book of the account should then be sent to EDSO duly entered in the SB slip.

Note 1 :- In respect of RD account the value of the cheque should be shown as remittance to the treasury/bank and not collected through the collection list prescribed for cheques received for deposit in other types of accounts.

Note 2: - In respect of RD/PPF account, the date of presentation of the cheque will be taken as the date of deposit. In respect of other types accounts, the date of encashment of cheque will be taken as the date of deposit.

(3) Departmental Sub Offices: - [i) When the initial deposit is made by cheque, the application form, pay-in-slip, additional specimen signature slip and the cheque should first be scrutinized by the SB Assistant. A receipt in the counterfoil of the pay-in-slip should then be issued to the depositor for the cheque. If the cheque is a local one for collection by office itself, the application form and pay-in-slip should be kept safely and the cheque sent for collection. After the amount is collected, the account should be opened in the usual way. The date of credit to be noted in the ledger/journal and the pass book will be the date of realisation of the cheque. The date of credit of cheque for RD/PPF account will be the date of presentation of the cheque.

(ii)

(iii)

(4) Extra Departmental Sub Offices: - (i) A cheque cannot be accepted as a initial deposit for opening a savings account. It can however be accepted for opening other types of accounts i.e. RD,TD, etc. If the cheque is in order, a preliminary receipt in form SB-26 should be prepared in duplicate with indelible pencil by carbon process. The following additional entries will be made on the preliminary receipt after the printed words “In this Sub Savings Bank”, by cheque No ………………….. dated …………… drawn on …………… bank”. If the depositor has furnished nomination in the application (SB-3), a remark “Nomination made” should also be noted on the top of the preliminary receipt. Both copies should be impressed with the office date-stamp and signed by the ED Sub Postmaster. The pencil copy of the preliminary receipt and the counterfoil of the pay-in-slip duly date-stamped and signed by the EDSPM should be handed over to the depositor. The serial number of the preliminary receipt will be intimated to the Head Office by entry in the list of documents. The application form (SB-3), pay-in-slip and the cheque will be sent to the Head Office. No entry of deposit will be made in the journal at this stage. The specimen signature should be kept safely after being signed by the ED Sub Postmaster.

(ii) On the date the pass book is received from the Head Office, the EDSPM should open the account in the journal, make an entry of the deposit in it under his signature showing in the date column the date of realisation indicated in the pass book by the Head Office, note the number of the account in the specimen signature slip and paste it at both ends in the specimen signature book. The specimen signature slip will be date-stamped in such a manner that a part of the impression falls on the slip and a part on the leaf of the specimen signature book.

(iii) The pass book will be delivered to the depositor when he attends the office after obtaining his receipt for it on the reverse of the original copy of the preliminary receipt (SB-26) which should be pasted to the respective office copy in the receipt book.

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Opening of Accounts – Procedure in Departmental Sub Offices

27. (1) When an application form for opening a Savings account (SB-3) and pay-in-slip is presented by a depositor along with the amount, it should be scrutinised by the S.B. Counter Assistant in the manner prescribed in rule-23. An additional specimen signature slip should also be obtained. Thereafter the S.B. Assistant should write a pass book, make necessary entries in the S.S. Book, ledger and place all the documents with the application form and pay-in-slip before the S.P.M. The number to be assigned to the new account will be the next number in the specimen signature book. The S.P.M. should verify that the account number is correctly noted in the S.B. Pass Book, ledger, application form, S.S. slip and the pay-in-slip and that the amount shown in the pay-in-slip agrees with the one entered in the pass book. He will return these documents to the Counter Assistant after necessary checks and after signing the documents and making entries in the Long Book. The pass book and counterfoil of pay-in-slip duly date stamped and signed should be handed over to the depositor immediately. The name of the Head Office should be written legibly in BLOCK letters in the inside page cover of the pass book. The specimen signature slip should be countersigned by the sub postmaster and pasted at both ends in the specimen signature book at the appropriate place in serial order of accounts and impressed with date stamp in such a way that a portion of the impression falls on the slip and the other on the leaf of the specimen signature book.

(2)

(3)

Opening of Account-Procedure in Extra Departmental Sub Offices

(4) (i) On presentation of the application form, it should be crutinized in accordance with the Rule 23. An additional specimen signature of the depositor should be obtained on a separate specimen signature slip. The amount for deposit should be accepted along with the pay-in-slip. A preliminary receipt in form SB-26 for the amount of the first deposit should be prepared in duplicate with an indelible pencil by carbonic process by the Sub postmaster and signed by him. If the depositor has furnished particulars of nomination in the application form (SB-3), a remark” Nomination made” should also be noted on the top of the preliminary receipt. Both copies should be impressed with the office date-stamp. An entry of the deposit will be made in the long book. The SPM should sign the application form and both parts of the pay-in-slip at the places marked “SB Assistant”. The pay-in-slip should be date-stamped at the marked places on both parts. The pencil copy of the preliminary receipt should be given to the depositor after entering the date on which the pass book is expected to arrive from the Head Office in the space provided for the purpose on the reverse of the preliminary receipt drawing the depositor’s attention to the ‘notice’ printed thereon. The counterfoil of the pay-in-slip will be detached and handed over to the depositor. The foil will serve as voucher for deposit. The duplicate copy of the preliminary receipt (SB-26) should be retained as office copy which should not be detached from the receipt book. The number of the preliminary receipt should be noted in the remarks column of the list of transactions as “P.R. NO……….. In case the amount of the first deposit is the same in more than one account, the names of the depositors should be noted in the remarks column of the list of transactions. The specimen signature slip should be countersigned by the sub postmaster and pasted at both ends in the specimen signature book at the appropriate place in the order of the serial number of preliminary receipts issued on the day and impressed with date-stamp in such a way that a portion of the impression falls on the slip and the other on the leaf of the specimen signature book.

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(ii) When the pass book is received from the Head Office entered in the SB slip, the SPM should open the account in the ledger, make an entry of deposit under his signature in the ledger and note the number of the account in the specimen signature book in the prescribed column and also on the specimen signature slip. The date of transaction entered in the ledger will be actual date of deposit and will be shown as a fraction, i.e. if the entry in the ledger is made on 6th and the actual date of transaction was 4th, the entry should read as 4/6. He should enter the account number in the long book against the original entry. It should also be seen that the number of registration of nomination and name of nominee, if requested by the depositor, have been noted in the first page of the pass book, in case the depositor had furnished nomination. In case this has not been noted, the pass book will be returned to the Head Office for supplying the omission.

(iii) When the depositor presents the original copy of the preliminary receipt, the number of the account and the amount of the first deposit should be written on it in the spaces provided above the place for the depositor’s signature. The pass book shall be delivered on his surrendering the receipt, duly signed in the place provided, in acknowledgement of having received the pass book and the depositor’s signature on the receipt should be compared with the specimen in the specimen signature book before delivering the pass book. The original copy of the preliminary receipt obtained from the depositor should be pasted on the respective duplicate copy on record in such a manner as to admit of the inspection of the entries on both the original and duplicate copies by the inspection officer.

Procedure in the Head Office for accounts opened at sub offices or their branch offices

28. (1) Account Opened at E.D. Sub Offices: - (i) When an account is opened at E.D. Sub Office, the head office will receive intimation of it in the list of transactions of the sub office. The sub offices will note the number of preliminary receipt in the remarks column of the list of transactions. With the list the application form (SB-3) and pay-in-slip will be attached. The Sub Office S.B. Ledger Assistant should compare the amount of first deposit as entered in the pay-in-slip with the list of transactions.

(ii)

(2)

(ii) The ledger Assistant will take further action as prescribed in sub para (1) (ii) above except that pass book will not be issued. The number of account noted in the application form will be entered in the ledger card and Index to Ledger Cards.

Action to be taken in the Account Office for the accounts opened at the

Branch Offices

29. Accounts opened at Branch Offices: - (1) A branch office will forward to the account office the application form, pay-in-slip and specimen signature slip (if the branch office is in account with the sub office) and duplicate copy of the preliminary receipt (SB-26) duly entered in the branch office daily account. If the Branch Office is in direct account with the head office, no specimen signature slip need be sent. The depositor’s signature should be attested in the red ink by the BPM. It should also be impressed with BO date stamp.

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(2) Head Office: - In the case of branch offices in direct account with the head office, the ledger Assistant should compare the amount of the deposit as entered in the pay-in-slip and preliminary receipt with that in the branch office daily account. The number of preliminary receipt will be entered by him in the Index to the preliminary receipts (MS-15). He should see that the preliminary receipts of the branch office in account with the head office run in a consecutive unbroken series and should initial the relevant entries in the daily account and the index to preliminary receipts in token of having carried out the check.

(3) The ledger Assistant will then prepare a pass book and the ledger card after making necessary entries in the Index to Ledger Cards showing the actual date of deposit over the date on which the transaction is included in the head office accounts. The date stamp impressed in the pass book will show the date on which the pass book is actually issued. The ledger Assistant should then place before the Postmaster all the documents for check. The Postmaster should compare the amount of deposit in the pay-in-slip with that in the daily account and noted on copy of the preliminary receipt received from the branch office. He will also see that the preliminary receipt runs in an unbroken series. He should then initial the daily account and index to preliminary receipts in token of having carried out the check. He should check the entries in the application form, pass book, ledger card and Index to ledger cards, sign the application form, the first page of the pass book, the ledger card and against the entries in the Index to ledger cards and initial against the entries of deposit in the pass book. He should then return all the documents and the pass book to the ledger Assistant. The pass book should then be sent to the branch office entered in the B.O. slip. The application form and the ledger cared should be disposed of in the usual way.

(4) In the Head Office the deposits should be noted in the Long Book with the name of the branch office in the remarks column to indicate that they are separate from the actual transactions of the head office. These deposits should be excluded from the cash transactions at the head office.

(5) When the Branch office reports loss of the preliminary receipt by the depositor, an application to the effect from the depositor duly verified will be received in the head office. Necessary action will be taken in the head office as laid down in rule 11.

(6) Sub Office: - (i) If the account office is a sub office, the counter Assistant on receipt of the application form, pay-in-slip, duplicate copy of the preliminary receipt and one specimen signature slip, will verify the amount of deposit as shown in the pay-in-slip and preliminary receipt with that shown in the B.O. daily account. He will enter the preliminary receipt number in the Index to Preliminary receipts (MS-15) and check that the receipt is in unbroken consecutive order. He should thereafter prepare the pass book and make entries in the ledger showing the actual date of deposit over the date on which the transaction is included in the sub office account. The date stamp impressed in the Pass Book should show the date on which the pass book is actually issued. He should then place before the S.P.M. the application form, Pay-in-Slip, Pass Book, Index to preliminary receipts (MS-15), Ledger/Journal, specimen signature book and the B.O. daily account. The S.P.M. should compare the amount of the deposit entered in the pay-in-slip with that shown in the daily account and the copy of the Preliminary Receipt received from the branch office. He should also see that the preliminary receipts run in an unbroken consecutive series and then initial the daily account and Index to preliminary receipts in token of having carried out the check. He should check the entries in the application, the pass book, ledger, S.S. Book and sign the application form, first page of the pass book and in the ledger and initial the pass book against the entries of the deposit. He will also initial in the remarks column of the S.S. Book against the entry. He should return all the documents to S.B. counter Assistant. The pass book will be sent to the branch office duly entered in the branch office slip. The application form and pay-in-slip will be sent to the head office with the list of transactions. The specimen signature slip will be pasted in the specimen signature book of the sub office after entries of the account are made in it.

(ii) The entries of the deposit will be made in the Long Book by the S.P.M. The name of the branch office will be shown in the remarks column of the Long Book to indicate that these are separate from the actual transactions of the sub office. These deposits should be excluded from the cash transactions at the sub office.

(7) The duplicate copies of the preliminary receipts received from the branch office will be filed in the Account office in monthly bundles branch office wise and preserved for 18 months

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ACCOUNTS OPENED IN CONTRAVENTION OF RULES

30. [1) If an account is opened in contravention of the P.O.S.B. General Rules, 1981, the account should be closed under the orders of the Head Postmaster. No further transaction should be allowed in it. If any annual interest has been credited in the account, it should be adjusted at the time of closure of the account through the register of rectification of interest and a remark of adjustment made in the ledger card. A written notice in the following form should be sent to the depositor indicating the irregular opening with a request to close the account and take the withdrawal payment personally or through an agent. If the depositor does not comply with the request, the account may be closed and the amount remitted by CHEQUE/MO deducting the usual money order commission from the amount of credit.

NOTICE

Dear Sir/Madam,

It is noticed that your savings account No. ……… has been opened in contravention of rule (4) of the Post Office Savings Account Rules, 1981. As no interest is admissible on the deposits in such account vide rule 17 of P.O.S.B. General Rules, 1981, I request you to close the account very early. You may present your pass book at …… office together with an application for withdrawal and receive payment of the amount at your credit either personally or through an agent. If, however, you so desire, the amount can be remitted to you by cheque or by money order, provided you agree to the deduction of the usual money order commission from the amount at credit.

Yours faithfully,

Postmaster

(2) In case the amount is sent by money order, the remitter’s copy of the money order receipt should be sent to the Control Organisation along with the warrant of payment after noting the particulars of the money order in the ledger card. A watch will be kept for the acknowledgement which on receipt will be transferred to the Control Organisation to be pasted with the M.O. receipt after keeping a note in the ledger card.

(3) At the Head Office: - If an account had been opened at the head office, action for its closure will be taken in the usual manner when the pass book is presented by the depositor. Since no interest will be admissible, care should be taken to see that annual interest, if any, allowed on the account prior to the issue of the notice is adjusted from the balance at credit while making the payment.

(4) At the Sub Office including its Branch Offices: - In case the account had been opened at sub/branch office, a copy of the notice sent to the depositor should be endorsed to the sub postmaster. The endorsement should contain instructions to the effect that no further transaction should be allowed in the account. The balance in the account as in the head office ledger card as also the amount of annual interest credited to the account, if any, that has to be adjusted at the time of closure of the account should be intimated. When the pass book is presented at the sub office and the balance in the pass book tallies with the balance as intimated by the head office in the endorsement, the sub postmaster should take action to close the account without further reference to the head office and return his copy of the notice along with the warrant of payment.

[5) In case of branch office, the application for withdrawal and the pass book will be received in the account office which should take action to authorise payment and return the warrant of payment and the pass book to the branch office. In case, there is a difference between the balance in the pass book and that intimated by the Head Office, the pass book and the application for withdrawal should be sent to the head office and further action taken in accordance with the instructions received from the head office.

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SUBSEQUENT DEPOSITS-MODE OF DEPOSITS

31. (1) Deposits in an account may be made in any of the following forms, namely :-

(i) Cash

(ii) A cheque or a demand draft drawn in favour of the depositor or the Postmaster and crossed generally or specially in favour of the Post Office Savings Bank.

(iii) Indian Postal Orders or Postal Orders issued by British authorities.