15th Anniversary of Asian-Oceanic Postal Union
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | April 1, 1977 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 13 |
| Quantity | 2,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 710 Stamp Number IN 753 Yvert et Tellier IN 514 Stanley Gibbons IN 843 Phila-India IN 717 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Birds | Letters (Mail) | Postal Unions | Seals(Emblems) | Stylized Animals |
Most countries worldwide are members of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The UPU’s Constitution allows members to form restricted unions focusing on specific regions of the globe. These unions facilitate cooperation and improvement in postal services within the region, provided they introduce provisions more favorable to the public than those provided by the UPU’s acts. Restricted unions also promote postal development, cooperate with the UPU and regional economic commissions in implementing technical assistance programs, and strengthen relations with other restricted unions.
Currently, seven restricted unions operate in different parts of the world:
- European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT), headquartered in Stockholm.
- The African Posts and Telecommunications Union (APTU), headquartered in Brazzaville.
- The Arab Postal Union (UPA), headquartered in Cairo.
- The Postal Union of the Americas and Spain (PUAS), headquartered in Santiago.
- The African Postal Union (APU), headquartered in Cairo.
- Asian-Oceanic Postal Union (AOPU), headquartered in Manila.
- The Nordic Postal Union (UPPN), headquartered in Helsinki.
The Asian-Oceanic Postal Union was established in 1962 with headquarters and a Central Office in Manila, Philippines. Membership is open to countries in the Asian Ocean region. Currently, the Union comprises Australia, Bangladesh, China (People’s Republic), India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand, with more countries expected to join soon.
The Congress, comprising all members and held once every five years, is the supreme organ of the Union. Its main function is to revise the Union’s Constitution. The Executive Council, with representation from all members, ensures the Union’s work continues between Congress sessions and supervises the Central Office’s work.
Member countries offer concessions in postal traffic, providing direct benefits to users of postal services in the region. India joined the Asian-Oceanic Postal Union in 1973 and has actively participated in the Union’s affairs. As the AOPU completes 15 years of service to the region, the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is pleased to commemorate the occasion by issuing a commemorative postage stamp.