Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications has signed an MoU with MapmyIndia-Mappls, a leading Indian digital mapping and geospatial solutions company, to implement the DIGIPIN initiative. DIGIPIN, a Digital Address Code system, assigns a unique 10-character alphanumeric code to every 4m x 4m grid across India. The collaboration will integrate MapmyIndia’s mapping platform with DoP’s “Know Your DIGIPIN” application, making digital addresses more accessible, accurate, and user-friendly.
Key Highlights of MoU
Integration with DoP systems:
- MapmyIndia will provide base maps for the “Know Your DIGIPIN” app.
- Users will be able to generate accurate DIGIPINs based on their geographic location.
Integration with Mappls App:
- DIGIPIN functionality will be embedded into the Mappls mobile app.
- Citizens can search, identify, and navigate to locations using their digital address.
Wider Ecosystem Benefits:
- Enterprises, government agencies, and developers can integrate DIGIPIN into mapping platforms, logistics, e-commerce, and public services.
- Promotes the concept of Address as a Service (AaaS) in India.
Objective:
- Strengthen Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by creating an indigenous, standardized digital address infrastructure.
About DIGIPIN System
- Assigns a unique 10-character alphanumeric code to every 4m x 4m grid across India.
- Based on precise geographic coordinates.
- Benefits:
- Improves delivery accuracy in rural/remote and unstructured address areas.
- Supports e-commerce, logistics, postal services, emergency response, and governance.
- Part of the Department of Posts’ Digital Address Code initiative.
Key Facts
Department of Posts (DoP)
- Part of the Ministry of Communications.
- Established: 1854 (modern postal system by Lord Dalhousie).
- India Post is the world’s largest postal network with 1.5+ lakh post offices (90% rural).
- Known for services like Speed Post, Postal Savings, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI).
- Current Union Minister of Communications: Ashwini Vaishnaw.
MapmyIndia (Mappls)
- Founded: 1992 by Rakesh and Rashmi Verma.
- HQ: New Delhi.
- Listed entity: CE Info Systems Ltd. (parent company of MapmyIndia).
- Provides: Digital maps, navigation, telematics, and IoT-based geospatial solutions.
- Mappls App: An Indian alternative to Google Maps, aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Digital India & Aatmanirbhar Bharat Links
- Digital India (launched in 2015): Transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (launched in 2020): Self-reliance in strategic and digital infrastructure.
- DIGIPIN aligns with these by creating an indigenous digital addressing ecosystem.
Other Address/Mapping Initiatives
- PIN Code System in India launched on 15 August 1972 by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar.
- India’s postal system uses 6-digit PIN codes for sorting and delivery.
- Geospatial Policy 2022 – promotes private sector mapping innovations and indigenous geospatial data usage.