Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 09 August 2025
In a bid to address the long-pending grievances of postal savings agents, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, met Union Finance Minister Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman at Parliament House on 08th August 2025. He was accompanied by a delegation from the National Small Savings Agents Association, India.
The meeting came in the wake of repeated representations from the Association over what they termed as an “unjust” reduction in their commission rates. The delegation pointed out that their commission was slashed from 1% to 0.5% in 2011 by the then UPA-II Government, following an earlier cut from 2% to 1%. Despite several appeals, the original 1% commission has not been restored.
Highlighting the role of over six lakh agents across the country, the Association said these government-appointed workers play a vital role in mobilizing small savings by promoting schemes such as Kisan Vikas Patra, National Savings Certificates, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Recurring Deposits, and Monthly Income Schemes. In addition, agents also spread awareness about schemes like Senior Citizens Savings Scheme and Public Provident Fund, often without any commission.
The delegation stressed that repeated cuts in commission have severely impacted their income and morale, despite their contribution to strengthening the savings culture at the grassroots level.
After hearing their concerns, the Finance Minister assured the group that the matter would be examined and considered appropriately.
Expressing optimism, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray said he hopes the legitimate demands of the agents—who serve as crucial grassroots financial outreach workers—will be resolved soon in the interest of justice and to encourage savings across the nation.
