Postal pin code- The Hindu-29-08-2022

GS-1
HISTORY :
CONTEXT :
The system of postal codes in India.

PRELIM & MAINS:

A Postal Index Number (PIN), or sometimes redundantly a PIN code, refers to a six-digit code in the Indian postal code system used by India Post. On 15th August 2022 PIN has been celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
A Postal Index Number (PIN), or sometimes redundantly a PIN code, refers to a six-digit code in the Indian postal code system used by India Post. On 15th August 2022 PIN has been celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
History :
The PIN system was introduced on 15 August 1972 by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar, an additional secretary in the Union Ministry of Communications. The system was introduced to simplify the manual sorting and delivery of mail by eliminating confusion over incorrect addresses, similar place names, and different languages used by the public.
Structure of Pin code :
The first digit of a PIN indicates the zone, the second indicates the sub-zone, and the third, combined with the first two, indicates the sorting district within that zone. The final three digits are assigned to individual post offices within the sorting district.