Context: The Department of Posts has notified an amendment under the Post Office Act, 2023 to introduce DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address). The initiative aims to modernise India’s addressing framework by creating a standardised digital address system, similar in ease and scale to UPI in digital payments.
What is DHRUVA?
DHRUVA is a proposed national digital addressing system that replaces long, inconsistent physical addresses with simple, standardised virtual labels.
These virtual labels (for example, name@entity) function as precise digital proxies for physical locations.
The core objective is to establish a nationwide, interoperable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) that enables seamless and accurate service delivery across government and private platforms such as logistics, banking, e-commerce, and governance services.
Design Architecture
DHRUVA is built on a two-layer structure:
- Foundational Layer – DIGIPIN
- DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number) is a 10-character alphanumeric code generated using latitude and longitude coordinates.
- Each DIGIPIN maps an area of approximately 14 square metres, offering high spatial precision.
- This is particularly useful in rural, informal, or newly developed areas that lack formal street names or house numbers.
- Digital Address Layer
- On top of DIGIPIN, users can create a personalised, easy-to-remember virtual address label.
- This label links directly to the underlying DIGIPIN and descriptive address information, ensuring both simplicity and accuracy.
Governance Framework
The proposed framework envisages a central Network Administrator, similar in role to National Payments Corporation of India, to regulate standards, ensure interoperability, and oversee ecosystem participants. This model ensures neutrality, scalability, and trust across stakeholders.
Key Features
- Interoperability:
DHRUVA is designed to work seamlessly across sectors—e-commerce deliveries, logistics, banking and KYC processes, emergency services, and government schemes. - User Control & Privacy:
The system follows a consent-based architecture, allowing users to decide who can access their address, for what purpose, and for how long. Access automatically expires unless renewed, strengthening privacy protection. - Operational Efficiency:
A single digital identifier reduces manual errors, eliminates repetitive form-filling, improves delivery accuracy, and accelerates service timelines.
Significance
DHRUVA addresses long-standing challenges in India’s address ecosystem—non-standard formats, duplication, and ambiguity.
By enabling precise geolocation, privacy-by-design, and platform interoperability, it can significantly enhance last-mile service delivery and support India’s expanding digital economy.