S B Velankar – Father of PIN Code System in India
The PIN code was first introduced on 15th August, 1972 by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar who was the then Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Communications. A new system was felt required to simply the process of manual sorting and delivery of mails.
The First digit of the PIN code marks the Region. The Second digit denotes the Sub-region. The Third digit marks the District. The Last three digits show the Post office under which a particular address falls.
What is a 6 digit pin code?
A 6-digit pin code has been created for easy delivery of post office letters and other items in the country. The first number means the name of the state. The second digit indicates the zone. The third digit gives the district information. At the same time, the fourth, fifth and sixth digits indicate the area where the post office is located. Through this pincode letters, goods can be easily delivered to the person by post office or courier agency. This pincode makes it easy to add to the person’s address. However, one point is reserved for the Army Postal Service. A total of 19101 PINs are allotted in the country. Their location can be known with their help.
Sriram Bhikaji came up with the idea of implementing Pincode in the country. At that time he was working as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Communications. Also a senior member of the Telegraph Board. At that time such a system was needed for the distribution of goods in the country and this system was created with the intention that such a pin code can be easily delivered to every village in every state. Even now in the age of GPS the importance of pincode has not diminished at all.
Sriram Bhikaji also acted as Chairman after the World Philatelic Exhibition in Delhi. It includes 120 countries. Retired on 31 December 1973. He has been honored with many awards for his achievements.