Context:
The Department of Posts has released a draft amendment to the Post Office Act, 2023, proposing a new Digital Addressing Framework called DHRUVA. The initiative aims to modernise India’s addressing system by introducing UPI-like digital address labels, improving service delivery, e-commerce efficiency, and privacy-centric data sharing as part of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) expansion.
Key Highlights:
DHRUVA Digital Addressing Framework
• DHRUVA proposes replacing long textual addresses with simple, interoperable labels such as “name@entity”, similar to UPI IDs.
• Enables users to use a single digital address across platforms like logistics, e-commerce, and government services.
DIGIPIN – Precise Location Identifier
• DIGIPIN is a 10-character alphanumeric code representing a 14 square metre geographic area.
• Especially useful in rural and semi-urban areas where conventional addresses are ambiguous or absent.
Governance and Institutional Design
• The system will be managed by a Section 8 not-for-profit entity, on the lines of NPCI, ensuring public oversight with private participation.
• Address Service Providers (ASPs) will issue digital labels.
• Address Information Agents (AIAs) will manage consent-based data access architecture.
Privacy and Consent Architecture
• Users can authorise access to their address data for limited duration and specific purpose.
• Enhances data privacy, reduces misuse, and aligns with consent-based data governance principles.
Relevance to Economy and Governance
• Streamlines address verification for e-commerce, logistics, gig economy, and emergency services.
• Reduces delivery failures, operational costs, and friction in last-mile connectivity.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Issue: Inefficiencies and ambiguities in India’s traditional address system.
• Causes: Rapid urbanisation, informal settlements, rural address gaps.
• Government Initiative: DHRUVA under Post Office Act, 2023 amendment.
• Benefits: Precision mapping, improved service delivery, privacy protection.
• Challenges: Digital divide, adoption by states and private players, data security risks.
• Impact: Strengthens Digital India and DPI ecosystem.
Relevant Mains Points:
• Key Concepts:
– DHRUVA: Interoperable digital addressing framework.
– DIGIPIN: Precise geo-coded location identifier.
– UPI Model: Platform-based, interoperable, consent-driven digital infrastructure.
• Governance Linkages: Consent-based data sharing, cooperative federalism, public-private partnership.
• Way Forward:
– Ensure legal backing with strong data protection safeguards.
– Promote nationwide interoperability and inclusion.
– Integrate with emergency services, urban planning, and welfare delivery.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS 2: Governance – Digital public infrastructure, data governance, service delivery reforms.
• GS 3: Science & Technology – Digital innovation, geospatial technologies, platform-based governance.