Department of Posts, through SB Order No. 11/2025 dated 10 September 2025, announced a change in terminology for a specific category of Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) account holders. Earlier, the rules referred to such individuals as “persons with unsound mind.” After consultations with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it has been decided to adopt the terminology “persons with mental illness or intellectual disability.” This change is aimed at ensuring consistency with contemporary language and sensitivity in official usage.
The revised terminology will be used in all forms, stationery, and software of the Department of Posts. Necessary amendments to the relevant rules and regulations will follow in due course. Importantly, the change relates only to nomenclature; all other conditions for opening and operating accounts under the POSB schemes will remain unchanged.
The order directs all postal circles and regions to circulate the instructions widely, update notice boards in post offices, and ensure implementation across administrative levels. The move reflects the government’s effort to align its financial service operations with evolving legal frameworks and inclusive practices in describing persons who require guardianship to manage their financial accounts.
The communication has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and circulated to senior postal officials, directorates, audit authorities, training centers, and recognized unions. This measure represents an administrative step toward harmonizing terminology in official records and correspondence, while maintaining the functional provisions governing such special category accounts.
No FS-10/52/2021-FS-DOP
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
(Financial Services Division)
SB Order No. 11/2025 | Dated: 10 .09.2025
To
All Head of Circles Regions
Subject: Change of terminology used for specific category of account holders. viz. “Persons with unsound mind” in POSB Schemes.
Madam / Sir.
The matter related to usage of appropriate terminology, for specific category of persons with unsound mind often referred to as individuals with mental health conditions or intellectual disabilities, requiring a guardian to manage their financial accounts under the Post Office Saving Schemes and require special consideration within the legal framework. was under examination of this Department in consultation with Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan). Ministry of Health and Family Welfare etc.
2. After detailed examination. It has been decided to use a common terminology as “Persons with mental illness or intellectual disability” in place of ‘persons with unsound mind’ in POSB Schemes. to address such categories of depositors mentioned above.
2. it is requested to use “Persons with mental illness or intellectual disability” in all forms and stationery and also in software. in place of “persons with unsound mind. henceforth. Necessary amendments will be made in Rules & Regulations in due course.
3. It is reiterated that this order intends to change only the nomenclature. All other conditions for opening & operating POSB schemes will remain the same.
4. It is requested to circulate these instructions to all concerned for information and necessary guidance. This may also be placed on the notice board of all Post Offices in the public area.
5. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
(P. Ajit Kumar)
Assistant Director (SB-I)
Copy to: –
1. PPS to Secretary (Posts)
2. PS to Director General Postal Services
3. PPS PS to Member (Financial Services)/Member (0)/Member (P).1 Member (HRD)/ Member (Tech)/ Member (Service Quality and Marketing). Member Infrastructure). AS & FA
4. Director General. APS. New Delhi
5. Chief General Manager. BD Directorate Parcel Directorate i PLI Directorate.
6. CEPT for kind information and necessary action.
7. Deputy Director General (Vig) & CVO) i Sr. Deputy Director General (PAF)
8. RAKNPA / Directors of all PTCs
9. Director General P & T (Audit). Civil Lines, New Delhi
10. Postal Services Board / All Deputy Directors General
11. All General Managers (Finance) Directors Postal Accounts DDAP
12. The Joint Director & HOD, National Savings Institute, ICCW Building, 4 Deendayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi-110002
13. The Under Secretary. MOF (DEA). NS-II Section, North Block, New Delhi.
14. All recognized Federations / Unions Associations
15. Guard File/e-File.
(P. Ajit Kumar)
Assistant Director (SB-I)
