Rumors of ₹8,000 Subsidy Cause Massive Crowds at Bengaluru GPO
Hundreds of women gathered at the Bengaluru GPO (General Post Office), driven by rumors of a ₹8,000 subsidy linked to India Post Payments Bank accounts. Despite efforts to dispel the misinformation, the crowd continued to grow.
The Story
A large crowd of women gathered at the General Post Office in Bengaluru on Wednesday, driven by the hope of receiving a ₹8,000 subsidy in their bank accounts. This surge was triggered by widespread rumors, resembling a game of Chinese Whispers, suggesting that opening an India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) account would lead to a monthly credit of ₹2,000.
Rewathi (name changed), a resident of Govindapura, had been waiting for several hours. She shared, “We’ve heard that the General Post Office will issue an IPPB card, allowing us to receive ₹2,000 monthly from next month when we present it at the bank.”
Many women, like Aisha from Mysuru Road, were influenced by information from friends and relatives. “My relatives, who have also opened accounts, told me about this scheme,” Aisha, a housewife, said while waiting in line on May 29.
The rumor mill also suggested that political party funds could be accessed through these IPPB accounts. Farida (name changed), a homemaker from Jayanagar, noted, “I’ve heard from my neighbors that people in our locality have received money this way.”
GPO’s Efforts to Dispel Misinformation
Despite the General Post Office‘s attempts to counter the misinformation with banners, announcements, and police assistance, the crowd continued to swell. H.M. Manjesh, Chief Postmaster of the General Post Office Bengaluru explained, “We have put up banners in Kannada and English, clearly stating that no such money will be credited by the Department. We’ve also been making announcements on microphones, yet people are eager to open IPPB accounts.”
People began queuing as early as 10 a.m., with some traveling from distant places like Kolar. This unexpected surge led to the opening of 2,000 accounts in one day, compared to the usual 50-60. “We had to bring in additional staff and security, including seven to eight postmen, to manage the account openings,” Manjesh added.
Roopesh Kumar, Inspector of Post at General Post Office Bengaluru, highlighted the logistical challenges. “The increasing crowds required us to collaborate with Vidhana Soudha Police Station, deploying two police constables to help manage the situation.”
The Reality of IPPB Accounts
Kumar emphasized the genuine benefits of having an IPPB account. “These accounts offer conventional banking functions, such as online transactions, bill payments, and direct benefit transfers. There is no deadline for opening an account, contrary to the rumors.”
The persistent belief in a non-existent subsidy reflects the powerful impact of misinformation and the challenges institutions face in dispelling such myths.