Bicentenary of Indian Ordnance Factories
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | March 31, 2002 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 4 |
| Quantity | 800,000 |
| Perforation | Syncopated 13¼ x 13 |
| Printer | Calcutta Security Printers Ltd |
| Printing Process | Offset Lithography |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Mr. Suresh Kumar |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1897 Stamp Number IN 1950 Yvert et Tellier IN 1662 Stanley Gibbons IN 2062 WADP Numbering System - WNS IN009.02 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Army | Tanks | Weapons |
The Indian Ordnance Factories Organisation (IOFs) has been the backbone of India’s defence manufacturing for over two centuries. It completed 200 years of existence on 18 March 2002, marking a remarkable journey in strengthening the nation’s military capabilities.
Historical Evolution
The origins of the IOFs trace back to 1802, when the Gun & Shell Factory Cossipore was established on the banks of the Hooghly River in Kolkata.
From this single unit, the organisation has expanded into a vast network of 39 production units spread across India, employing nearly 1.4 lakh people. Many of these factories are among the oldest industrial establishments in the country.
Role in Defence Production
The IOFs play a crucial role in equipping the Indian Armed Forces, especially the Army, with a wide range of essential military hardware. Their production includes:
- Weapons and ammunition
- Tanks and armoured vehicles
- Infantry combat vehicles and transport vehicles
- Optical and opto-electronic instruments
- Field cables and engineering equipment
- Uniforms, parachutes, and tentage
- Military bridges, floats, and general stores
They also possess specialized facilities for designing and manufacturing machine tools required for arms and ammunition production.
Wider Contributions
Beyond defence, the IOFs cater to the needs of:
- Police and paramilitary forces
- Indian Railways
- Public Sector Undertakings
- Various government departments
Continuous modernization and technological upgrades ensure that the organisation meets the evolving demands of national security.
A Legacy of Trust
One of the greatest achievements of the IOFs is the trust and confidence they have earned from India’s armed forces—the ultimate users of their products. Their consistent supply of reliable equipment has made them a cornerstone of India’s defence preparedness.
Commemorative Postage Stamp
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the IOFs, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp.
The stamp design symbolically represents the organisation’s evolution:
- In the foreground is the Ajeya tank, one of the modern achievements of the IOFs.
- In the background appears a historic gun carriage, reflecting the early days of ordnance manufacturing.
This stamp honours two centuries of excellence, innovation, and dedication of the Indian Ordnance Factories Organisation in safeguarding the nation.
First Day Cover
