Golden Jubilee of PIN Code

In Context

• Commemorative Postage Stamp was released on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of PIN Code.

About

• 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. 

Why was the PIN code introduced?

• According to the Department of Posts, there were 23,344 post offices in India at the time of Independence. 
• But, the country was growing rapidly and the postal network had to keep pace.
• The PIN code was meant to ease the process of mail sorting and delivery in a country where different places, often, have the same or similar names, and letters are written in a wide variety of languages.
• Postal zones: There are nine postal zones in India, including eight regional zones and one functional zone (for the Indian Army).

Source:PIB