Summary:
Granular and up-to-date postcode systems are backbone of most developed & developing countries. Indian postal system was developed several decade ago. This system is not granular enough resulting into difficulty into logistics, navigation, commerce, credit rating field. A more granular system based on geo-tagging / geo-coding system will overcome current issues and make a robust yet flexible system which is fit for future.
This blog explores other possible options for granular system. Also warns against adopting proprietary system and explores how social movement can be used to build new system ground up instead of top-down.
New postcodes……for INDIA
When I order new product from Amazon, I have to just provide postcode and house number to order. When I call HMRC ( revenue & customs) I have to just provide two pieces of information to provide my complete address. When I have to travel to new place I just need to know postcode to enter into my navigation software and it knows where to take me.
All above is possible because granular postcode system in the UK & detailed maps of land being maintained by relevant authorities. Postcodes in the UK are very granular, in fact a postcode takes you to a street level or sometime 16 houses in a block. Even US zipcode is not as granular. Entire postcode system simplifies many tasks about address lookup, address validation, credit checking, logistics and so on.
Compare this with Indian postcode system. A PIN (postal index number) typically covers half a million population. So you need lengthy address which contains references to landmarks such as school, temple, government building or historical place (i.e. behind XYZ school etc). On top of that there is no consistency so there is no way to verify this against any database. So it is a challenge to find a place without asking anyone else. Either delivery man/postman should be familiar with each and every house in that area or be lucky to ask relevant person who knows about that premises.
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