Published on: December 5, 2025

DHRUVA

DHRUVA

NEWS – The Department of Posts has proposed a major digital reform in India’s addressing ecosystem by introducing DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address). It aims to make address-sharing as simple as sharing a UPI ID, using short, standardised address “labels”.

WHAT IS DHRUVA?

  • A new digital addressing framework proposed via amendments to the Post Office Act, 2023.
  • Designed as an interoperable and standardised address-management system.
  • Seeks to replace long textual addresses with compact “name@entity”-style labels, similar to UPI handles.

KEY FEATURES

  1. UPI-like Address Labels
  • Users can share addresses through simple digital labels (e.g., rahul@xyz).
  • Acts as a proxy for physical address, accessible only with user consent.
  1. Consent-Based Access
  • Users authorise firms to view the full address for a specific time window.
  • Label permissions expire and require re-authorisation, improving privacy.
  1. Multi-platform Use
  • Beneficial for e-commerce, logistics, and gig platforms where users repeatedly enter addresses.
  • Instant authentication of location details without manual form filling.

INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE

Section 8 Not-for-Profit Entity

  • Postal department may set up a dedicated body similar to NPCI (which runs UPI).
  • Will function as a digital public infrastructure (DPI) component with private-sector participation.

Address Service Providers & AIAs

  • Service providers will issue digital labels.
  • Address Information Agents (AIAs) will manage the consent architecture.

DIGIPIN: THE FOUNDATIONAL LAYER

  • 10-character alphanumeric code representing latitude and longitude.
  • Provides highly precise geolocation, especially useful in rural or poorly mapped areas.
  • Each DIGIPIN maps to a 14 sq. metre land area.
  • Open-sourced by the department; ~228 billion unique DIGIPINs possible across India.

SIGNIFICANCE

  • Enhances ease of delivery, reduces address errors.
  • Strengthens India’s DPI ecosystem after Aadhaar, UPI, and ONDC.
  • Encourages private innovation in logistics and geospatial services.