Courier agents and demand of Government ID. Review on Blue Dart

These new age courier agencies(not India Post) but agencies like Blue Dart, Gati, FedEx, etc are indeed providing great services to the general public. I have been using their service for last many years and they are good and handy.

However, lot of scope for them to improve exists in their adopting of IT systems, customer service and speed of delivery if they have to compete with global biggies.

One aspect I have noted esp with Blue Dart who is the leader in India is that they demand a government ID for delivery of secure items and also note the details down on a manifest they get. I think this aspect is not right from data privacy rules. They note these details on a loose per that can be misused.Most times the paper is dumped in trash after they go back.

If they has a mandate from the Govt then it must be captured electronically not in this insecure way. Also I feel if they come to my doorstep to deliver, they already have verified a lot and all they need ask is a valid ID to be flashed with a photo to confirm if I am the right party. Noting of my PAN card details, passport number is not a right way out and most time I end up arguing with the delivery agents who are helpless in this situations.

While on one side I do not want the delivery agents to go back and forth adding to their already heavy workloads I certainly do not agree to their self adopted rule of the ID noting. there is also no notification on their website or a leaflet with the agents that explains why it must be provided and what safe guards they will enforce in its privacy retentions.

Unless we start expressing dissent this will continue to become a norm. In no other part of the world this concept exists.