In Munnar, there was heavy rush in front of the post office for the past two days and the police had a tough time controlling the crowds. The reason: the ‘news’ that financial benefits of up to ₹15 lak announced by the Union government will be delivered to those who have postal accounts.
Estate workers came in large numbers to open saving accounts. There were also people who had taken leave and reached the post office in taxis and own vehicles. Finally the Postal Department had to come out with a clarification that there was no ‘special offer’ for opening an account with the post office. Thousands of people opened the account in two days.
A second rumour spread on Monday that land and house would be given to the workers free of cost and they reached the Revenue Divisional Office (RDO) at Devikulam with applications. The officials on duty wondered what had happened when they saw a long queue even before the office was opened. It was later revealed that rumour-mongers had a field day. People were told that those who had not been enlisted for distribution of land in August were given another opportunity to submit applications. Finally, a notice was put up in front of the office that there was no such move.
Police intervention
Even after that, the flow of the workers did not stop. Finally, the Revenue Divisional Officer gave a direction to the police to initiate action against the rumour-mongers.
V. Paramasivom, Superintendent of Post Office, Idukki Division, told The Hindu that the department had erected a board in front of the post office that there would be no offer for opening an account. “We had not given any hint of benefits to those who open account at the post office,” he said, adding that they had now spread it through WhatsApp and other media.
He said the Central government scheme of post office saving account was launched at Munnar on Sunday evening.
Scheme
As per the scheme, ₹100, Aadhaar card, and two passport-size photos were required to open the saving bank account.
Up to ₹1 lakh can be deposited and it can be used for paying bills. Net banking facility is available.
After launching the scheme, the officials noticed a steady increase in the number of accounts and the queue for opening account extended through the road in a short time.
Finally the postal officials themselves came out with the notice to clear the rumours.
