JAMMU: Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, inaugurated a 4-day Philatelic Exhibition and Post Office Festival, “Jammu Stamp Show-2011â€, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Postal Circle at Kala Kendra here today.
The Governor, who was the Chief Guest at the function, emphasized the need for bringing progressive improvements in the delivery of postal services, particularly in the remote and far-flung areas of the State for the larger benefit of the rural population. Referring to the various initiatives being taken by the Postal Department to open new post offices and the proposal for establishing a Digital Post Office, he hoped that all these measures would contribute towards improving the postal services in the State.
The Governor said that postal stamps brought out in the earlier years and First Day Covers in the latter years, are an important source of history, culture and heritage of various parts of our country. He emphasized the need for promoting the hobby of stamp collection among the children and reiterated that the date of stamping of letters should be legible so that the period in which mail is delivered can be known. He hoped that the Department of Posts would shortly introduce digital stamping of letters as had been indicated by Mr. John Samuel, the Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle. The Governor lauded Mr. Samuel and appreciated his initiative of launching the “My Stamp†scheme in J&K.
The Governor released four Special Covers on this occasion as part of “Jammu Stamp Show†and launched “My Stamp†with the photograph of a small child on it.
The Governor congratulated Mr. John Samuel and the officers of his Circle for setting up a large scale Philatelic Exhibition which displayed nearly 1,00,000 Stamps and Special Covers.
The Governor went around the Exhibition and evinced keen interest in the older stamps and covers.
Earlier, the Governor lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the commencement of the Exhibition.
The Governor was honoured on this occasion, with Mr. John Samuel, Chief Postmaster General, J&K Circle, presenting to him a memento.
Mr. Samuel dwelt on the improvements recently brought about in the functioning of the Department of Posts in the State and the new initiatives which are being particularly taken to improve the delivery system to ensure against delays.
In his welcome address, Mr. Amit Sharma, Director Postal Services, spoke about the aims and objects of this event.
Mr. Rattan Lal, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Jammu, presented a Vote of Thanks.
A cultural programme was presented by the school children on this occasion.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were Mr. R. S. Chib, Minister for Medical Education, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Agriculture, Dr. B. Mishra, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST, Jammu, senior officers, prominent citizens and students.