Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan released a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of golden jubilee of introduction of PIN Code in India

What is PIN Code?

• The PIN Code system was introduced in India by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar, who had served as an additional secretary in the Union ministry of communications. 

• Its implementation began from August 15, 1972.

• Postal Index Number (PIN) or PIN Code is a six digit code of post office numbering used by India Post. 

Why was the PIN Code introduced?

• There was confusion resulting from the duplication of names of various places across the country. Also, multiple languages were used to write addresses.

• The PIN code aims to simplify sorting of mails, speeding up mail transmission and delivery.

What does the PIN Code mean?

• There are nine PIN regions in the country. The first eight are geographical regions and the digit 9 is reserved for the Army Postal Service. 

• The first digit indicates one of the regions. The first two digits together indicate the sub-region or one of the postal circles. 

• The first three digits together indicate a sorting/revenue district. 

• The last three digits refer to the delivery post office.

Use of codes in other countries

• In the US, the Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) code was introduced July 1, 1963, under the aegis of the Postal Service Nationwide Improved Mail Service plan to improve the speed of mail delivery.

• Japan created its postal code address system in July 1968, and automatic postal code reader-sorters exist in major post offices of the country.

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