50th Anniversary of India Security Press

The India Security Press at Nasik Road, Maharashtra, is celebrating its “Golden Jubilee,” marking 50 years of dedicated service and existence. Established in November 1925, it is a commercial department of the Government of India under the Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs. The Press is responsible for producing various security documents, including postage stamps and postal stationery for the Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department, as well as non-postal stamps, adhesive stamps, and other security forms for both Central and State Governments, along with currency and banknotes required by the Reserve Bank of India.

Before the establishment of the India Security Press, Indian postage stamps were printed by the Survey of India and later by M/s Thomas De La Rue & Co., London, until 1924. In response to the impending termination of this contract, the Government of India decided to set up its own Press for stamp printing. Thus, the India Security Press was founded to produce all security documents required by various government departments and bodies.

The Central Stamp Store, added in 1928, distributes the products of the Stamp Press to treasuries and sub-treasuries across the country. The Currency Note Press, commissioned on April 14, 1928, prints currency notes, meeting the growing demand for currency arising from economic growth. In July 1961, a New Currency Note Press was added to further expand capacity. Both presses print currency and banknotes according to the requirements of the Reserve Bank of India.

With its significant role in producing vital security documents and currency, the India Security Press has witnessed phenomenal growth over the years. As it celebrates its Golden Jubilee, it continues to play a crucial role in India’s economic and administrative landscape. The Posts & Telegraphs Department is honored to commemorate this milestone by issuing a special multi-colored postage stamp.