In a move that could transform how addresses are structured and shared in India, the Ministry of Communications has released the policy document for DHRUVA — the Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address. Developed by the Department of Posts, DHRUVA sets the foundation for a nationwide Digital Address Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
What is DHRUVA?
DHRUVA outlines a framework for creating a standardised, geo-coded, and interoperable digital address system. It is designed to simplify address-related services and ensure secure, consent-based sharing of address information across public and private sectors.
At the core of DHRUVA is the concept of Address-as-a-Service (AaaS) — a model that supports efficient, secure, and user-controlled management of address data. The system aims to serve as a backbone for service delivery, governance, and commercial interactions.
The DHRUVA policy builds upon the earlier launch of the Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN) — the National Addressing Grid introduced by the Department of Posts.
DIGIPIN is an open source nationwide geo-coded addressing system developed by the Department of Posts in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO. It divides India into approx. 4m x 4m grids and assigns each grid a unique 10-character alphanumeric code based on latitude and longitude coordinates.
As stated by the Ministry of Communications, the DIGIPIN system is publicly accessible and supports improvements in emergency response, logistics efficiency, and citizen service delivery.
Why Is DHRUVA Important?
The policy recognises address information management as a key component of national infrastructure. By streamlining the way addresses are recorded and accessed, DHRUVA aims to:
- 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
- Enhance delivery of welfare schemes, e-commerce services, and financial inclusion
The policy also places emphasis on user-centric design, ensuring that citizens have meaningful control over how their address data is used and shared.
Who Will Benefit?
Stakeholders across multiple sectors — including logistics, governance, emergency services, and financial institutions — stand to benefit from the implementation of this system. DHRUVA is designed to foster a collaborative ecosystem in which public and private players co-develop solutions that are secure and inclusive.
The Department of Posts has invited all stakeholders to review the DHRUVA policy document and submit their feedback. The policy can be accessed at https://www.indiapost.gov.in/vas/Pages/digipin.aspx, and suggestions may be emailed to digipin@indiapost.gov.in by 31 July 2025.
