In news– The Minister of State for Communications has recently released Commemorative Postage Stamp on the occasion of Golden Jubilee of PIN Code, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
What is a PIN code?
- PIN code or a Postal Index Number in India is a six-digit numeric code in the Indian Postal system.
- It was introduced on 15 August 1972 by the then Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Communications, Shriram Bhikaji.
- The new system was felt important to simplify the process of sorting and delivering the mails manually.
- This is because different languages and similar names and addresses created a lot of confusion.
- Thus, there should be a standard procedure that helps in simplifying the process.
- This way, PIN Codes were introduced to identify states, districts, and cities.
- The first 8 are geographical regions and the digit 9 is reserved for the Army Postal Service.
- The first digit indicates one of the regions. The second digit indicates the sub region or one of the postal circles (States). The third digit indicates a sorting / revenue district. The last 3 digits refer to the delivery Post Office.
The first digit of PIN indicates as below:
Source: PIB
