Friday, October 31, 2008

Postal Department receives great response

NEW DELHI: Within a fortnight of the launch of the unique service to sell internationally certified gold coins through its vast network of post offices, the Department of Posts (DoP) has received overwhelming response from people.

“Thanks to the ongoing festive season, we have been able to do brisk business. So far, over 20 kgs of gold worth over Rs.2.6 crore has been sold through 100-odd post offices spread in five states. The sale of gold coins was particularly good on the Dhanteras day when people buy gold. We have also offered a five per cent discount this festive season,” informed a senior DoP official.

Initially, the DoP has started this service in five states -- Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Punjab -- on pilot basis, and soon the service would be made available across India.

India Post has launched this venture in association with World Gold Council and Reliance Money. World Gold Council is helping in marketing the Swiss Medallions supplied by Reliance Money.

The 24-karat gold coins, packed in a sealed cover with the certification from renowned Valcambi in Switzerland, are available in weights of 0.5 gram, 1 gram, 5 grams and 8 grams.

“The sale of 5 gms coins has been the maximum, with Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra leading the list. In Punjab, where the service was launched a few days before Diwali, the response has also been good. After reviewing the sales figure of the festive season, the sale of gold coins will be extended to other states as well, starting from mini-metros and towns,” the official added.

Competitively priced

Stating that the prices of these gold coins are competitively priced based on the prevailing market prices, the official said: “Gold coins available through our post offices carry internationally recognised certification and has low risk of duplication. Our post offices that are known for its trust and reliability will serve as an ideal location for the people to buy quality gold coins.”

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