PPF, SCSS, POSA to MIS: Post Office revises procedure for interest adjustment through HIRAM menu; what is it?

The Department of Posts recently decided to introduce a second level validation in the HIRAM (Interest Adjustment Register Maintenance) menu in its Finacle core Banking System (CBS).

"With a view to strengthening internal controls, enhancing accountability, and preventing unauthorized or erroneous interest adjustments, a second level validation has been introduced in the HIARM menu. The revised functionality also incorporates enhanced system validations, jurisdiction-based access controls i.e., HO SOL and CPC SOL, and monitoring reports. Accordingly, a consolidated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for operation of the HIARM menu is enclosed herewith," the Department of Posts said in a SB Order dated September 29, 2026.

What is HIRAM?

"The HIARM menu is used for processing interest adjustments in the above POSB schemes based on the sanction accorded by the competent authority," the Department of Posts said.

Previously, under the existing procedure, the interest adjustment entries created by the SBCO Supervisor were not subjected to a second-level verification in the system and they were auto verified in the system.

According to the SOP attached with the SB Order, the HIARM menu will operate under a Maker–Checker mechanism. "Interest adjustment entries shall be initiated (Maker) only by the SBCO Supervisor of the concerned Head Office for the accounts standing at the HO and its SOLs under the jurisdiction of the concerned HO," the SOP said.

"Verification (Checker) of HIARM entries shall be carried out exclusively by the CPC Supervisor of the concerned Circle," it added.