“Use Pincode” Campaign
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | October 14, 1989 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 60 p |
| Perforation | Comb 14 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1235 Stamp Number IN 1294 Yvert et Tellier IN 1037 Stanley Gibbons IN 1386 |
| Themes | Birds | Letters (Mail) | Stylized Animals | |
The Postal Index Number (PIN) code system in India, introduced on 15 August 1972 by India Post, serves as a crucial part of the postal administration for sorting and delivering mail efficiently. Here are the basic details about PINcodes:
Structure:
A PINcode consists of six digits.
Purpose:
It simplifies manual sorting and delivery by ensuring accuracy in addressing, reducing confusion due to similar place names, and accommodating different languages used across India.
Zones:
There are nine PIN zones in India:
- Eight regional zones based on geographic areas.
- One functional zone specifically for the Indian Army.
Digit Significance:
- The first digit of the PINcode represents the region.
- The second digit indicates the sub-region.
- The third digit specifies the sorting district within the region.
- The last three digits are assigned to individual post offices within that district.
Delivery Mechanism:
- Each PINcode is linked to a delivery post office (General Post Office, Head Office, or Sub Office) that manages mail distribution within its jurisdiction.
- Branch Offices (BO) in rural areas serve as additional points for postal services under the supervision of their respective delivery offices.
Functionality:
- The delivery post office receives all mail for its PINcode area.
- It sorts and dispatches mail to other delivery offices or branch offices within the same PIN area or to different PIN areas as required.
The PINcode system has significantly streamlined postal operations in India, ensuring efficient mail delivery across diverse geographic and linguistic regions.