HYDERABAD: The courier industry in the State is up in arms against the proposed amendments to the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, aimed at monopolising distribution of mail by the Postal Department.

If the Government did not withdraw its proposal by May 10 when Parliament session would commence, couriers would suspend service and stage a protest through democratic means, said Andhra Pradesh Couriers' Association (APCA) president Thomas John here on Wednesday.

Addressing a meeting of APCA members, Mr. Thomas John said that the proposed provisions would destroy the Rs. 4,000-crore courier industry, which provided employment to over 15 lakh people.

The 30-year-old courier industry emerged, sustained and made itself indispensable to the Indian economy through efficient service without the support from central or State Governments. The courier industry, with high quality infrastructure, catered to the changing needs of business houses and general public, delivering financial and other documents in the fastest time possible. It contributed about Rs. 1,200 crores to the exchequer through service tax.

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