25th Anniversary of Army Postal Service Corps
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | January 22, 1997 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 700,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Printing Process | Photogravure |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Sankha Samanta |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1533 Stamp Number IN 1595 Yvert et Tellier IN 1303 Stanley Gibbons IN 1697 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Army | Aviation | Helicopters | Military Forces | Postal Services |
Introduction
The Army Postal Service Corps (APS) is a small yet highly significant service component of the Indian Army. It traces its origins to the Field Post Office that accompanied the Expeditionary Force to Persia in 1856. During the Second World War, postal personnel provided by the Department of Posts were granted combatant status, reflecting the importance of their role in military operations.
Formation as an Independent Corps
Initially, APS functioned as a wing of the Army Service Corps. On 1 March 1972, it was granted independent status in recognition of its vital contribution to strengthening and maintaining communication networks for the Indian Armed Forces.
Dedicated Service to Soldiers
APS ensures that soldiers remain connected with their families, no matter where they are posted. Whether stationed on the snowbound heights of Siachen, in the scorching deserts of the Thar, or in the dense forests of Arunachal Pradesh, soldiers receive their mail reliably. APS personnel work closely with the Army, Air Force, and paramilitary forces, providing essential postal support that greatly boosts morale.
Expansion of Postal Services
Over the years, the Corps has expanded its responsibilities beyond ordinary mail delivery. Its services now include:
- Postal Life Insurance
- Savings Bank facilities
- Civil postal services similar to regular post offices
- Computerised insurance and banking operations
- Faster telegram transmission through automation
- Satellite Money Order Service through VSAT stations at 56 APO and 99 APO
International Contributions
APS also provides postal support to Indian contingents serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions. It has served troops deployed in countries such as:
- Mozambique
- Somalia
- Rwanda
- Angola
Its efficient and uninterrupted service in overseas missions has earned international appreciation.
Philatelic Significance
The Department of Posts has often highlighted the role of India’s defence forces through commemorative stamps. APS itself has issued many special first day covers marking important milestones of battalions, regiments, squadrons, and naval flagships.
Commemoration
To honour its dedicated service, the Department of Posts released a special commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Army Postal Service Corps.
First Day Cover
