The Department of Post has released a comprehensive policy document titled DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address) laying out the framework for a national Digital Address Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

About DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address)

• The DHRUVA envisions a standardized, interoperable, and geocoded digital addressing system which is aimed at building a national-level Digital Address Digital Public Infrastructure.
• Based on: DHRUVA is based on its core concept of Address-as-a-Service (AaaS)
  • AaaS is an array of services associated with address data management to support secure efficient interactions between users, government entities, and private sector organizations.
• Aim: To recognize address information management as a foundational public infrastructure and build a robust address data sharing and management ecosystem ensuring smooth integration across both public and private sectors.
• Features:
  • Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN) – The National Addressing Grid: It is an open source nationwide geo-coded addressing system dividing India into approx. 4m x 4m grids and assigns each grid a unique 10-character alphanumeric code based on latitude and longitude coordinates
  • Interoperability: The DHRUV system is interoperable across government, citizens and private business to co-develop solutions that are secure and inclusive.
  • Privacy: It ensures a secure, consent-based sharing of address information across public and private sectors.
• Significance:
  • Improve the quality and consistency of address data
  • Enable seamless integration across government departments and private services
  • Promote citizen autonomy through consent-based data sharing  and promotes user autonomy, drives innovation, and supports ease of living.
  • Enhance delivery of welfare schemes, e-commerce services, and financial inclusion
• Application:
  • Catalyse Innovation: DHRUVA will catalyze innovation across key sectors such as governance, e-commerce, logistics, and financial inclusion 
  • Efficient Service Delivery: It is publicly accessible and supports improvements in emergency response, logistics efficiency, and citizen service delivery.
  • Emergency Response: The geo coded addressing system will be particularly useful for providing immediate and speedy emergency response like ambulance service, fire rescue service.
  • Logistics: DHRUV will help in improving the logistics bottleneck in the country.

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