FOREWORD

of
The Hsndbook on Philatelg is primarilg a compilation
instrucf ions and procedures relating to philately
in India' issued by the
is an useful guide containing
Department of Posts, t'rom time to ilme and
to serue os o us;er manual f or
tlte f undamental con'cepfs on the subiects
This olso serues os o
thrz purpose of running philatelic bvtreauK'counter-s'
rejerencebookt'ortheadministrcttiueandoperotior.talsetupoJ.the
Department. This also contains thet prot'ormae
of the boctks/regisfers fo
ot' the
be maintainecl in the philatielic: L'ureaux ond olso the t'ormat
ucrious periodical retllrns to be Jurrrished
AllHeadsofCircles'RegiortalPostmastersGene'ral'Directors'
postntasters concerned are aduisr.zd to read and retain copies oJ' this
iue hondlt'ng os it is time
Handbook' Plrilatelg needs promprl ond sensif
sertsitiueandinuo|uesdelicatemattersrelatingtoprotclcol,withclose
cct<trdination and monitoring' lt also demands
skilled mate:rials
attitudes at all
fftanagement. inuentory control crnd cusforn er"Jriinlt-.
Ieuels. I -.rt' .,^,'i'i v '
edition
while reuising the'Handboo,i,<" sonte ol thel:ules of the IIIrd
hauebeenanlended,Somenewru|eshauebeertaddecltothereuised
of rules hos o/so undergone change' There are likely
edition. The number
and Counters' quofos
to be chctnges in some details (e11 No of Bureaux
to time' C)hanges due to
for the Bureaun'Counters etc') t'rom time
of philatelic items
introduction of IT or in sccountitrg procedure' cost
to
or mode of sale/payment etc' troy olso accur' Circles are oduised
confirm.
The eft'ort has been to incorporate the instructions
on the subiect
uelcome
issued till date' Philately Branch of the Directorate would
suggestions t'or additions/alterations to the Hqndbook'
Devika Kumar
Deputy Direrctor General (Philately)
DePzrrtment of Posts,
Government o{ India
New Delhi
L)ated : 31.12.2010)
---.t'-\'^
€:t*-:-ro
 Contents
Page
Subiect
1
Def inition of F'hilatelic Terms
10
Philatelic Bure'aux & Counter
14
Stomps
19
Sheets
First Day Couers & Inf ormation
22
Procedure t'or Supply to Philatelists
& Collectors
26
Concellation
36
Deposit l\ccottnt SYstem
A' 42
'-r-'^
Miscellaneous
\: 53
The. Lows of the Land
55
Annex I: Distribution of Comm' lStomps
" li'
t
B
57
'1
Annex ll!'Resist& o,f Comm' Storrips 'frt r"l.l'l ,.4
-- ^-'ta-- ,' : ro
JO
Annex III: List oJ HOs/6POs lor TransJer a^l:-<..' .al

59
Annex lV: PD fi/<: APPlication
61
Annex V: List of Philatelic Bureaux
62
AnnexVI A: PD A/c System Ord'zr Register

LePwJ. lii'' 63
AnnexVI B: PD Nc SYstem
t-l"-' i-'- - 64
Annex Vll: Start of Nc Philect-irBureau
r'.,. rJ-d(
65
AnnexVLII: PD Nc ('&4s'eas) Application \.' 't'
67
Annex lX: Request/or issue ol a Comm' Stomp'$
Annex X: Monthlg Report on PLLilately
6B
Promotion & DeueloPment
Annex XI: MonthlY Statement in r o
71
'Philqtlit'Sales t'or thet month
I rr
- i'
-
i '.i -
.n/
 CHAPTER-I
DEFINITIONS OF PHILATELIC TERMS

1- Postage Stamp: A postage stamp is a leceipt with a specific

value to prepay postage. A symbol of a nation s sovereignty' it is
also a tool to celebrate antl ytromote a nation's h&itage. lts value
as a collectible item often er<ceeds its actual postal value'

2. Types of Postage Stamps::

a) Definitive stamps: These are stamps specifically issued for
day to day postal needs and placed on sale for an unlimited
period. They are distinct from commemorative issues and
are available in several denominations. The definitlves are
printed in huge numbers. By and largrz it can be said that the
definitives are normall5' so designed as to cause the minimum
expenditure in their manufacture. storerge and sale' A number
of de{initive series on tfremes relevant to the country's heritage
and progress in various fields have been brought out. Generaily
the definitive series ar{z changed after 5 years'
b) Commemorative Stamps: Stamps, covers or postal
stationery issued to commemorate an event. an institution. a
theme. flora or fauna and personages, are called
commemorative starnprs. These are usually printed in limited
numbers and are solcl for a limited period from philatelic
bureaux,/counters,/authorized offices. These are printed only
once, unlike definitive postage stamp's. so as to ensure their
value as collectibles in accordance rvith universal practice.
They are, however, rrot intended to supersede the current
definitive stamps, and are generally purchased by the
philaielists for their collections. These can be used for payment
of postage also apart from being collectible items'

c) Special Stamps: l'hese are thematic like flora' fauna,

architecture, art, etc. urhich are issued without commemorating
any speci{ic event.
llA Handboc,k on Philotelu

d) Joint lssue of Stanrps

i) This is the sirrrultoneous or agreed issue of stamps (two or
more) by India ar:,d any other country in consultation with
each other.

ii) the proposalis taken up by the concerned country directly

with India Post or through the Ministry of ExternalAffairs
or through its Entbassy/High Commission in India. lndia
POSI Can Similarlrr taLo rrn a nrnnng3l r.r,'ith anv Othef
country.

iii) The proposal is forwarded to the International Relation

(tn)dGisD of tfre Department of Posts for consultation
\ with MEA in ordezr to ascertain its clearance and viability.
iv) A draft Joint agreement is drawn up ut,,th terms and
conditions ogr,zeable to both countries snd thetr
respectiue Posf o I Organisof ions. Once the Joint
agreement is agreed upon. it is signed by the respectiue
heads of the Philately Diuision and finalized.

v,) The concepts t'<>r the designs are agreed upon. For
example the concept may be'Endangered Nlarine Species'
(lndo'Philippines 2009) but the species depicted in the
design will be d{Jf erent Jor the two countries. The design
itself will uary.
vt) The printing of the sf omps ond ancillary p>roducts (such
as Miniqture Shrzefs, First l)ay Couers, Brochures etc.)
will be by reuspectiue countries with their own
denominationhnd inscrlption protocol on the layout.
uii) ^
Exchange of philatelic material. if any, will be as per the
Joint Agreement
uiirJ The release function protocol in Indiaoif anyrfunction is
held will be as u:;ual. but in consultation with the MEA/
the Embassy/Hillh Commission etc. IR Division will be
kept informed.
 Hondbook on Phi/otelY lll

ix) If an lndian delegation is invited to the country concerned,

the case will be pr,tcessed on merits in accordance with
extant rules at the time in consultation the concerned
"vith
Divisions/Departments/Ministries.
Issue, Release & Presentation
a) Issues : A stamp issue c:an consist of a single stamp' a setenant
or a set of 2 or more stamPs.
b) Issue date : This is the date on which a starnp begins to be
sold across the counter in a Post Off ice/Philateiic Bureau,/
Counter.

c) Release : This signifies the process oi releasing a stamp by a

dignitary during a formal function organized by proponent(s)'
There can be only one release{unction, not multiple functions'

d) Presentation: This can be one or more at dif{erent locations

r'n anr/ date on or after the date of release of a stamp.

4. First Day Cover (FDC): A cover with the stamp franked with
special cancellation of the day of issue is brought out along with a
commemorative,/special po:;tage stamp. This is put on sale on the
day of release of the stampl) It .un either be sent through post on
ihe first day of its release or can be retained ior philatelic collection.
,lw First Day covers can also be brought out on the issue or release of
.P.'
definitive stamps.

5. Brochure: Whenever any commemorative,/special stamp is issued,

a publicity brochure is also brought out. It contains a brief write-up
on the subject. designs and 'also the technical data of the stamp. In
addition, the names of the designers of the stamp. first day cover
and cancellation are also indicated therein-

6. Cancellation Cachet: It is a cancellatiorr device which is usually

impressed with a hand stamp canceller on a cover to denote the
date of the special event on which it was provided e.g. important
occasions, personages. ina,lgural flights or expeditions etc. It can
also be impressed with ther help of a mer:hanicai device for neat
 ,$..-,.'{
ll Hondbook c'n Philoteiy

cancellation. The cachets iire'withdrawn f rom the philatelic bureau

imrnediately four weeks after the occasion is over.
The Cancellation cachet are prrocured 9y the Heads of the Circles
and supplied to all the bureaux under(heifiurisdication before the
date of release. The manufacruring specifications are as under:-
1. Metal to be used :;aluminurlr-. /,Q,.nli
2. Process of preparation
'ttrr-
of blocks-photo chemicalll
3. Aluminum block to be fitted u,ith wooden boardal)
4. Size of the handle : length 11cms. excluding the portion to be put
into the slot. Diameter - 1 inch
5. Wood to be used for handle :i.shisham-, -\''l4irc'r r"' '

6. Handle should be fltted to the block with nails of glue in a strong

manner so as not to come out while hanclling.
tL,-Jr L._
Note: Changes in the cancellation. if anv[rrl!$ notified.
7. Mint Sheet: It is a full sheel of unused stamps without any post
mark.
8. Issue Sheets: Stamps come in Issue Sheets comprisinE, generally,
20 to 50 slamps. depending Lrpon the size of the stamp. Anything
below that number is a sheetLet in the strictest sense of the term.
However, for the sake of specification. various names like Miniature
Sheet, Souvenir Sheet. Stanrp Sheetlet and Stamp l]ooklet are
attached to the products.

i) Miniature Sheet: A Miniature Sheet is a sheetlet comprising

of one or more postally valid stamps with which the issue
concerns. lts size normally varies depending upon the subject
illustration, size of the stamp and number of stamps. The
outer area of the miniature sheet beyond perforations of the
stamp depicts an extension of the theme of the stamp or an
elaboration of the same ;lnd is of complementary rrature. The
price of the Miniature sfreet may b,e equal to the face value of
^ +L^ti.--=---.--' ^rOaL-^'-^ as
the\stamp (s) it comprrses ot^or.more. r^^
^^ decided by the
.^c9_ uepartment considering thn #rf of every case and in that
e\d)'
case, the denominatron is refiected in the Miniature Sheet. A
special feature of a rniniature sheel is the zigzag perforation
 t\
j'
Hondbook ort PhilotelY lll

where the sheet is comprised of two or nlore st4mps. However.

this {eature mav not be avaiiable in every case. The date of
'€ or a specially
release may be the sam,: as that of the stamp,l(s)
:nnointpd onp
stJtrv,r '
..rt*
1'
ii) Souvenir Sheet: lt is zrlso a sheetlet like the miniature sheei,
r4-'
with the exception that ir is the(ssu{itself . i.e. while a miniature
sheet is issued on stamprs and is separately produced and sold'
the Souvenir Sheet is the product itself and no separate stamp
is sold; therefore, the number of stamps equals the print
quantitg' of the Souvenir Sheet e.g. Mother Teresa'

iii) Stamp Sheetlet: A sheetlet of stamps is a smaller version of

a full issue sheet of stzrmps. It generally contains 76 to 20 t/
stamps. It also has. like the Miniature Sheet.
"qgtlCtgy#
illustrations/elaborations and inscriptions' The primary aim of
producing a sheetlet is to meet the dernand of the philatelist/
collectors {or a sheet of stamps of manageable size' However.
it is not necessary to bring out sheetlets on every occasion of
issues. The price of zr sheetlet is invariably the sum of the
face value of the statnps it is compris,:d of .

iv) Stamp Booklet: It is intended to be made of suitable size to

facilitate a customer who needs to go to post offices of{ and
on to purchase stamps for postage. lt, therefore. is necessarily
related to definitive stamps. A booklet may contain a strip of .
say, 20 stamps or [ess tucked inside the booklet's lnner fold
by gumming the selvedge of the specially produced strip. The
outer cover may have illustrations and detailed inscriptions. It
may be priced at the f ace value of the starnps it contains'

9- Special Cover: An event which is not nationally important enough to

be commemorated by issue of commemorative/special stamp or {or
which a stamp cannotEaccommodated in thtz annual issue programme
may be commemorated by tfre Department by issue of Special Covers
which can be cancelled with a special cancellation at the post office
selected for the purpose . Suc h covers can also be issued at the instance
of private parties on pa5''rnent of requisite charges' These covers should
ll Hondbook c>n Philottzly

beerr minimum postage stamps o{ any kind equivalent to the minimum

inlzrnd letter mail rate. Heads of the Circles are the competent authority
to sanction Special Covers commemorating any eventlinstitution/
inaugural flight under their lurisdiction. Jf.r, r. .:tlf,t crl 't rclin4tr
'c t
s rr-e l-icr': r
1O. First Flight Cover: The cover which is carried on the inaugural
mail flight between two points by an airline and which bears the
m.rrks of the two places is cerlled First Flight Cover.

1-1. Pictorial cancellation: These are ?ermanent, regular date

cancellations provided at any post office located at a place of tourist
attraction, It normally features the major tourist attraction of the
plerce. The Head of Circle is empowered to approve this,:ancellation.
It is advisable to have a pictorial cancellation in placers of special
interest.

12. Perforation: A series o{ holes are punched along ther boundaries

o1'the stamps in the sheet :o facilitate separation of the stamps
from each other.

13. Albums: From time to time, albums are prepared by the Philately
Division of the Directorate and the philatelic b,ureaux for
presentation purposes and stamp release functions. There are
di{'ferent types of albums, one of which is prepared at the time of
rellease o{ a new specialT/cornmemorative stamp,/special cover.

14. Blow up: This is a hand pairrted or digitalenlargement of a postage

stamp, generally used at a release function where it is unveiled as
a token of release. It is also available for purchase in limited
quantities as it is made only on demand.

f 5. Collector's Packs: Collector's packs contain a set of all the

commemorative/special postage stamps issued by the Department
during the year. These are put on sale at Philatelic Bureaux and
can be made available at philatelic counters and authorized offices
on request. These are made in a limited quantity.
 Hondbook on Philatelv lll

16. Thematic Packs: The Deparlment issues from time to time a set
of two or more stamps on particular themes. Small packs are
prepared containing these s':amps and are placed on sale at
Philatelic Bureaux so that all the stamps issued c,n a theme are
avaiiable in one pack. These can be supphed through philatelic
counters/authorized offices if requested for.
h.
17. List/Catalogue of India- Postage Stamps: The list contains
information on definitive afuerl as lpecial/cornmemorative stamps
including service stamps. A Lis;t/Catalogue of Indifipostage stamps
issued since 1947 is put on sale at Philatelic Bureiiux at the price
fixed by the Department.
-fhe
18. Posters/Fliers: Depadmernt periodically issues publicity leaflets
which are known as fliers, f or lree distribution to the philatelists/
collectors in order to give advance publicity to the proposed stamps
to be issued. Sometimes various; posters are issued by the Department
to give publicity to the forlhcomrng stamps as weil as Io popularizelhe
hobby of stamp collection amcngst the people. fhese are to be
displayed prominently in Philatelic BureauxT/Counters and other
important Post Offices as soon as they are received.

19. Newsletter: A newsletter is published by the Postal Department

periodically. These newsletters contain information about the stamp
as well as future issues of cor.memoral:e/special stamps. special
covers, cancellations as also the holding of exhibitions. This is
supplied on request to individuals. philatelic clubs/societies, philatelic
stanrp dealers, stamp collectrtrs etc. of the country and abroad
free of charge.

20. Exhibits: It is an album sheet of standard size 23 x 29 cm in white

or off-white colour without any margin. All exhibits rnust be mounted
on standard loose-leaf quadrille album pages, ernd enclosed in
transparent protective covers of sufficient firrnness. Exhibits
mounted on other than specified page:;, do not meet the
requirements of model regulations for state/circle level philatelic
exhibitions. and will not be di,;piayed in such exhibitions.
Handbook on Philately

21. Meghdoot Postcard: The Meghdoot Post Card is a variant of

normal post cards and was introduced by the Business Development
Directorate oJ the Department as a premium product w.e.f. 1st
September 2002. The spac,: for writing on the address side is
utilized for multi-colour aclvertisements of different pr,rducts and
services by the clients at a fixed rate determined from tirne to time.
The client also indicates the territory of release or circulation of the
Meghdoot Post Cards. In adcition to territories design;rted by the
clierrt, limiled numbers of Meghdoot Post Cards are available for
salez from seven selected t'hilatelic Bureaux authorized for sale of
ne,,," postal stationery.

22. Philatelic Bureau: A Philat,zlic Bureau is a branch of a Head or

Sub Post Office specifically se't up by the Department to dealwith
the receiprt and sale of all philatelic items. Iike special/
coilrmemorative stamps. first Cay covers. special covers. new issue
on definitive stamps and new s;tationery etc. It also provides special
cancellations on F.D.Cs arrd special covers, or on covers presented
to the bureau for the purpose of special cancellations. It maintains
up-to-date record and relevant information of all the issues for
supply to the stamp collectors and intending purchasers. It maintains
Philatelic Deposit Accounts and also-deals with mail orders.

23. Philatelic Counter: The Philatelic Counter is a counter f or sale of

philatelic items and is a part of thapost office specially selected for
the purpose. A Philatelic counter is functioning in each Head Post
Of{ice. These counters, however, do not provide special cancellation
on F.D.Cs or special covers, but a standard cancellation of "First
Day of Issue" only, which is the same for all the philatelic issues.
These counters offer registration facility for opening of Philatelic
Deposit Account with supply of material by the parent bureau.

24. Authorized Office: The authorized off\ce is a post olfice. which

sells philatelic items but does not provide any special cancellation.
These offices in addition to pfrilatelic bureau and philatelic counters
are specially authorized by the Head of Circles to sell philatelic
llerns.
 h'ondbotk on Phi/otely I I I

25. National Philatelic Museum: [:ach postage stamp is a care{ully

designed piece of miniature art wliich speaks evocatively about the
subject depicted on it. lndia h.rs brought out bear-Ltiful stamps
covering different facets of this great country. The Natic'nal Philatelic
Museum, New Delhi. attempts to showcase the great lndian
panorama as presented through its postage stamps. Located in
Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg. Nev", Delhi. the Museurn houses all
lndian stamps issued since Indept'ndence. The rnain display is the
chronological series in which all the commemorativer and special
stamps issued by the Department of Posts have been presented.
Blow-ups of stamps as well as stamp-designs p;rinted by children
add colour to the Museum. Exfribits prepared by accomplished
philaielists zrre kept on displav irom time to time. exposing the
visitor to some of the treasures of philateiy in the c'cuntry. The
process of designing and printing of postage stamps have also been
displayed in serialized exhibits. ln addition. the Muserum provides
information with regard to the Postal History of India as well as
India's Philatelic F{eritage. A urrlque wealth of items is thus available
for r,'iew in the Museum. The szrle counter at the Museum offers
the latest postage stamps. First Day Covers and other philatelic
material.
 CHAPTER.II
PHILATELIC BUREAUX AND COUNTERS

26. Philatelic Bureaux are establi,shed by the Heads of Circles on orders

issued by the Directorate, The pre-requisites for the establishment
o{ a Philatelic Bureau are the expected sale of philatelic items.
namely. commemorative,/sprucial postage stamps. first day covers,
inl'ormation sheets. collecror packs. special philatelic packs.
philatelic publications and covers etc. Besides the demand for
philatelic issues and items. er.istence of philatelic societies and clubs
in a particular place are also considered before orening of a
Phrilatelic Bureau. Heads of the Circles. before sending a proposal
fc)r opening a bureau are. therrefore. required to give the sale figures
of philatelic items for the prerceding six rnonths, and the number of
clubs,/societies working at the stations. Normally a new philatelic
bureau is not opened unless a philatelic counter has been working
satisfactorily in a particu.ar :itation.

27 . Pfrilatelic counters are functi,cning at allthe Head Post offices. The

Head of the Circle is compelent to open a philatelic counter at any
SLrb Post Office in his jurisdiction after he is personally satisfied
with the necessity of opening such a counter. The following
guidelines may be kept in view while examining proposals for
orrpnino of nhilatelic counters:
i) The place should be a very important tourist centre:
ii) There should be a popular demand from the public/
philatelists;
iir) There should be a considerable number of philatelic clubs/
societies:
ir,) The proposed office str,luld have accessibility by Air/Train eIc;
v) The office should be an important sub post office;
vill The average monthly sale from the authorized oifice which is
proposed to be converted into a philatelic counter may not
be less than Rs.10.000/-.

10
 Hondbook on Philatelv lll

28. Distinction between a Philatelic Bureau and a Philatelic

Counter: Philatelic Bureaux and counters are not independent
offices but are a part and parcel of the Post office. Philatelic
Bureaux are preferably established in Head Post Offices located at
Circle headquarters, district towns and Sub Post Offices where
considered necessary. Where the opening of a bureau is not found
justified, a philatelic counter rnay be opened in a departmental
sub-post offlce. While br-rreaux carry out all philatelic functions
and supply philatelic items to dependent counters and to post offices
specially authorized by the Haads of the Circles. the philatelic
counters do philatelic work in a restricted way. They are not
authorized to issue special canceilations. The philatelic counters
offer the facility of registration of Philatelic Deposit Account with
material to be supplied by the parent burerau. It is also not
authorized to accept mail orders. It is, however. allowed to provide
"first day of issue" cancellation on first day cove,rs. For this purpose
it is provided with permanent cancellation stamp with changeable
dates. Author\zed offices only s;ell commemorative/special stamps.
blank first day covers and information sheets.

29. Functions of Philatelic Bureaux: Philatelir: Bureaux are under

the technical and administrative control of thel Postmaster. In the
case of philatelic counters, they are under the administrative control
of the respective postmasters rvhereas for technical purposes they
are under the control of the bureau on which they are dependent
for the sr"rpplies of philatelic zrrticles viz. starnps, first day cover,
information sheets etc.

29.1 The major functions of Philatelic Bureaux are to receive and sell:
. Commemorative and spercial postage stamps and philatelic
ancillaries.
. Definitive postage stamps on their first day of issue.
. First day covers and special covers.
. Information sheets.
r New postal stationery wilh advertisement.

1l
Hondbook on Philatel,'t

(stationery with advertisement will be sold only through th,z Philatelic

Bureaux at Bangalore. Chenr.,ai. Hyderabad. Kolkata, Lucknow'
Murnbai ancl Sansad Marg. New Delhi. for a period of one month
{rorrr the date of release or till the stock lasts. whichever is earlier).
. Other items like miniz/sour"'enir sheets. collector s ltacks etc.

Philatelic products sur:h as books. gi{ts & other me,rchandise

29.2 ln addition, the bureau also:

i) Provides special cancellations on the first dav o{ issue.

ii) Supplies philatelic statnps; and its anciliaries to all the philatelic
counters rn its technical jurisdiction (as mentioned in above
para) before the day of release.

iiil Supplles material to PDA holders regtstered al philatelic

counters.

iv) Operates an imprest sanctioned by the Head of the Circle for

getting supply of stamps from the treasury for sale at the
counter.

v) Maintains Philatelic Deposit Accounts.

vr) Executes mail orders oi philateiic starnps, FDCs and brochures

etc.

vii) Complies with bulk sale ,:f mint stanrps.

viii Assists philatelists. stamp dealers. collectors and rnembers of
the public for supply of information about the latest issues and
their connected inf ormation.

ix) Maintains a philatelic library.

x) Opens extension counters at stamp release functions especially
organized by the Heads of the Circles and others.

xi) Assists the Heads c,f the Circles, Regional Directors and
Superintendents of Post Offices concerned in organizing
philatelic exhibitions. seminars, workshops etc.

12
 Handbook on PhilatelY' lll

xii) Adonts measrlres for sale of nhilatelic nlaterials under the

instructions oJ the Heads o:: the Circles.
xiii) Submits periodical statement showing the sale of
commemorative,/special postage stamps and other philatelic
materials and numbers of P.D. Accounts. Any other item of
philatelic work entrusted bv the Head of the Circle.

xiv) Nlaintains a register showing the names and address of philatelic

clubs and societies and also reputed philatelists of the town.

xv) Keeps the catalogue of stamps updated by making entry o{

each stamp (commemoralive/definitive) a:; and when issued.

xvi) All Bureaux/HO treasuries are progressiverly being networked

to utilize the Software for Philatelic Inventory Management.
Connectivity is also providecl with CSDs/Circle offices,/Philately
Division of the Directorate for MIS on a need to know basis.
This software iniends to upclate. expedite and monitor indents,
invoice forecasts. stocks in hand. sales and revenue.

30" Display of stamps in the Philatelic Bureau: It is essentialthat

the stamps and first day covers issued by the Department are
chronologically arranged and keprt in an album as-reference materials
for the benefit of customers and philatelists.

13
 CHAPTER-III
STAMPS

31. The issue of a stamp is notified by means of a circular issued by the

Directorate well in advance of the date of release to all the Heads
of the Circles/Regional Postmasters General and the philatelic
bureaux. The circular contains full information ab,cut stamps
including iheir technical derta. Photo prints of stamp(s) as and when
available are also sent along with the circular for the purpose of
advancp nrrhlicitv. The Heacl of the Circle will ensure that all the
bureaux. counters as well as authorized offices are informed of the
date of issue. subject and denomination of the commemorative
stamp(s) indicated in the circr-rlar On receipt of the circular it will
be the responsibility of the Pr>stmaster to give as much publicity as
ncrssible arrd disnlav lhp c,1nu of the circular on the notice board at
a rrrominpnt nlace in the burcau. A press note is sent 1o the DPIO
for giving publicity through tl-re media. lil-i "i-i;: ;' -ir- ' :i'j{'-'.
.{li; Jy-, .t,'*1i.. r,...r|; l.--.t !'-',.in-:"..f:r,
32. It i,s very important to ensure that the stamp is not sol,l under any
circumstances before the date of issue as notifted in the circular. ln
case the date fixed for issue of stamp happens to be Sunday/postal
holiday, the Philatelic Bureaux in New Delhi and the place of issue
of the stamp will open for sale of stamps. first day covers. etc.
while the sale of these items at the other bureaux,/counters will be
e{fected and the cancellation of the actual date of release provided
on the next working day. If for some unavoidable technicai/
administrative reasons. the issue of the stamp is postponed,/
advanced. Directorate wiliin{orm allthe Heads of the Circles about
thel postponement,/advancement and the latter will intimate all the
Circle. On receipt of the information that
br-rreaux,/counters in the
the issue of the stamp has been advanced or postponed, it will be
the personal responsibility of the Postmaster to ensure that the
information is promptly conveyed to all concerned and stamp is
not issued on the oreviouslv notified date o{ issue.

14
 '):
Hanclbook an Philotetv aaa

33. The commemorative,/special p'ostage stamps are sent in secured

packets bearing in advance thez date of issue from the authorized
stamp depot, to all philatelir: bureaux and selected philatelic
counters. The number of stamps which will be received by a bureau
or a counter is {ixed by the Directorate. Deltending on the total
number of stamps printed for each issue. a quota is fixed for the
bureaux and counters (Anne{}.On receipt of the stamp packets.
the Postrrraster shall verify if ihe authorized ,truota of stamps has
been received. Each stamp p,rcket will have a printed label 'Not
to be sold before date" pasted on it. The Postmaster, therefore,
shall have the packet opened in his presence and have the number
of sheets counted in each packet to see i{ there is any discrepancy.
He will immediately ensure the safe custody of the stamp packets.
Such of the new stamps as are required to be supplied to other
attached philatelic counters and authorized o{fices shall be
dispatched well in advance o{ the date of relcuase of the stamp as
per the quota fixed by the Head of the Circler. While dispatching
the stamps to other offices. warning should also be given to them
that these will not be sold in a:ev circumstances before the date of
the issue.

34" Register of Commemorative stamps balances: The treasurer

of the Head Post Office or the Sub Post office. which sells
commemorative postal stampr; shall maintain the register in the
prescribed proforma as used for postal stamps and stationery,
separately indicating name of the stamps vertically and balance as
on date against each. casting the total at the foot of the vertical
column. Immediately on receilrt of the stamps they will be entered
in the register chronologically and the amount noteci as per f.ace
value. The value of the stamps received wor.rld form part of cash
balance of the post office and will be treated like other stamps and
stationery,. Whenever stamps are dis-patched to other dependent
counters or authorized offices either under Remittance Advice or
S.O. slips, entries will be made in this register by the treasurer.
l) Handbook ctn Philote:ly

The treasurer will maintain this register ln addition tc, the stamp
register maintained for definitive and other non-postage stamps.
Like stamp register. daily totals of this register will be transferred
to the H.O. Summary. As arrd when supply of stamps is made to
the attached philatelic burearu or the counter functioning in the
office for sale, recoupment of cash will be made by the treasurer
against the stamp imprest grven to ihe incharge of the philatelic
bureau,/counter. The purpose of the register is to mairrtain correct
accounting and to ascertairr on any date the stock position of
commemorative,/special postage stamps. A register of
commemorattve/special stamps released as per format in
Annex. II will be maintained in the philatelic bureau. lt will be the
personal responsibility of incharge of the philatelic bureau to keep

. the register updated.

i ,. i,.''
A Software for Philatelic Inventory Management of all philatelic
iterns (definitives. postal st.rtionery and commemorative,/special
. t'-
stamps),4s bein5j'.introduced across the Department in a phased
way and all concerned should adopt it. This is mandatory. It is
intended to update stock ancl sales position. indicate revenue, and
facilitate forecastinq and indentinq.

35. Sale of commemorative/special stamps: Commemorative /

special stamps should not be given for sale through stamp vendors
and licensed agents, but shrould be sold only through philatelic
bureaux,/counters and authorized offices. The incharge of philatelic
bureau must obtain the supply of the stamps from the authorized
stamp depot, for sale of stamps at the philatelic bureau or the
counter. Before the stamps are put on sale on the day of release,
adequate siock of stamps for meeting the requirement of PD
Account holders may be retained. On the date of release' the
existing staff working in the philatelic counters may not be adequate
in the big offices to cope u,ith the sale on the existing counters.
The Postmaster will have to make arrangement for aciditional
counters and draw officials from other branches. At the close of
each day. the incharge of the bureau,/counter will transfer the sale

T6
 Hondbook on Philatelv f tl

proceeds to the treasurer as tr)er existing post office procedure"

Under no circLlmstances the philatelic bureau will hold cash or
stamps or both in excess o{ the imprest allowecl to it. The philatelic
bureau/counter urill sell commemorative,/special stamps of each
issue for a period of 6 months from the month of issue or till the
supply lasts. whichever is earlierr. At the end of 6 months. stamps
on personalities. events and institutions shor_rld be transferred to
the Philatelic Bureau of the GpOlHO at the Clrcle He of the Circle
to which the stamp relates. For instance. if a stamp relates to a
personality from Tamil Nadu. all remaining starnps at other bureaux
and counters may be sent under an advice of transfer to Anna Road >(
HO at Chennai. A list of the identified POs ro which the stamps J, \
-
may be transferred is at Annex lll{list of HOs ,/POs for transfer .$
after 6 month.]
\ iN-P^\Y"y'
av
\.
35.1 To provide greater visibility and availability. the cornmemorative )Y"./$ $
.\'
stamps remaining unsold after 6 monrhs will be released fo. sale 9 Y .$t
along with definitive stamps at the stamp vending counter of the lfrf
parent office and also be renrited ro all other Post offices who do l./.yt- :,
not sell philatelic stamps. und,zr the usual remittance procedure. \V"-<f
The multicoloured stamps of hi,3her denominations after remaining
i fI
on sale for 6 months at the b,ureau should tre issued for sale at ""-*,,
Speed Post,/ParcellRegistraiion counters. -*'-J| //
J

35.2 Sometimes before the issue of the stamp the proponent,/interested

parties desire to purchase the s;tamp and its ancillaries. The Head
of the Circles/Regional PMsG rnay ascertain the actual requirement
of the products and inform the Directorate a1 least one month in
advance, if the demand cannot be met from the quota frxed {or the
philatelic bureau in the Circle. The payment for the additional
requirement should be obtained in advance and credited under head
Unclassified Receipts and intirnation given to Philately branchrfi
Directorate for arranging the s;upply.

In case of additional requirenrent of stamps after its issue. the

philatelic bureau would inform the Head of the CirclelReqional
Hondbook on Philotely

PMG who will explore the possibility of meeting the requirement

by terking it up at inter circlcu level directly. The Central Base Post
Offices shalltake up the matter through APS wlth Chief Postmaster
Generral, New Delhi/Kolkata a,s the case rnay be.

35.3 Before stamps are put on sale at the counter or any di',,'ersion of
stamps is effected. retention of adequate stock of stamp(s) for
meeting the requirement of PD Accounts must be ensured.

18
 tlt

CHAPTER.IV
FIRST DAY COVERS & INFORMATION SHEETS

36. With the issue of a new commemorative/specialstamp, a First Day

Cover (FDC) is also issued. FDCs are printed and supplied by the
Postal Directorate. through Philatelic Bureau, Sansad Marg HPO'
New Delhi to all the Bureaux. J'hese covers are of two sizes i'e.
13 ' 20 cms and l1" 20 cms. The quota of FDCs for each Bureau
is fixed by the Postal Directorate: which is sr-rbject to review from
time to time depending on the sales. FDCs iire not, however,
normally supplied to authorized offices as they are not authorized
to provide First Day of Issue carrcellation. These are supplied in
advance of the date of issue of the stamp. Philatelic Bureaux.
however. may indent additional qr,rantities. if such additional demand
is anticipated, due to any issue. This demand should. however.
reach the Directorate at least one: month in advarnce of the date of
the release so that the Directorat,2 can arrange to make the supply.

On receipt of the First Day Co'uers in the Bureau, the incharge

should count them to see that they have been received correctly as
per invoice received and then enter the quantity received in the
stock register specially maintairLed for this purpose. He should
supply the FDCs to all the phil,atelic counters in advance of the
date of release as per quota pre:;cribed by the flead of the Circle.

37. Sale of First Day Covers: First Day Covers^blank or stamped,

cannot be sold before the date ol'issue of the st;rmp. FDCs having
the r-rewly issued stamp(s) affixed on them and duly cancelled with
the special cancellation of the fir:st day of the issue can be sold on
'First Day Issue Cancellation
the date of release of the stamp. The
on the first day covers having the concerned commemoratlve
postage stamp(s) affixed on thern. will continue to be provided for
a period of four weeks from the actual date of issue of the concerned
commemorative stamp(s) . Since FDCs are philatelic items, a
Durchaser often collects them ',vithout any intention of posting'

i9
lll Handbool: on Philotely,

Sometimes, philatelists and collectors post the covers to their friends

and it is necessary that this should be posted for transmission as an
article of mail with the derte o{ issue cancellation on the first day of
issue by ltresenting it at ther philatelic counter. First Day Covers
slrould not be posted in ietter boxes as in that event there is a
chance o{ their berng cancelled with the date stamp of tharollecting
post office which will devalr.re their philatelic importance. Blank
First Day Covers can, however. be used as envelopes; without the
'frirst Day'lssue Cancellation' and can be posted in the letterboxes.

Bef.ore the first day covers are put on sale at the counter on the
day of issue. and also prior to making supply to other post offices.
tlie incharge should keep aside the nun.rbers of FDCs sufficient to
meet the requirement of the PD Account hoiders.

The amount realized through sale of FDCs should be credited to

ac:count under unclassified receipt. The: incharge of the philatelic
bureau is responsible to carrr/ out the check and to tally the account
u'ith the stock register on a periodical basis.

38. Disposal of First Day Covers: The blank first day covers remaining
. unsold after six months from the month of issue of tfre respective
commemorative/special pos,tage stamps will be obliterated on the
motif if printed on such covers with a thick cross X" and superscribed
- u'ith the rvord "On Postai Service". This may be done by means of
a rubber stamp by the Philatelic Bureau. They may be utilized
purely for inter departmental use and under no circumstances such
covers be sent to members of the public. However. FDCs (after 6
months) relating to personalities should be transferred to the CPO/
FIO of the headquarters of the Circle to which the personality relates.

39. INFORMATION SHEETS: Information sheets or brochures are

printed and supplied by the Postal Directorate to all philatelic
bureaux through Philatelic lJureau, Sansad Marg HO, New Delhi
as per the quota fixed for each issue much in advance of the date
of issue o{ the stamps to r,vhich they pertain. On receipt. they should

20
 Handbook on Philoteiv lll

be checked and entered in the stock register like FDCs. These

cannot be sold before the issue of the stamp. It should be ensured
that Philatelic Bureaux indent for these items in a realistic manner
to ensure that unsold quant!ties are kept to the minimum
Sometimes philatelists and collectors re(luest that special
cancellation should be provided on the inforniation sheets which
'fhis should be
they keqp as a collectible item. tr>rovided on request.

40. Disposal of unsold information sheet: Information sheets

remaining unsold afler 6 months from the date of issue of the
concerned colrlmemorative or special postage stamp may be
-l:^^^^^l
ur)pw)su ^;:- r' q
v, ^ manner so as to give a fillip to philately and philatelic

sales and to inculcate the hobcy of stan'rp collection among the

yoLlnger generation e.g. Iree distribution amongst students in
educationerl institutions or durirg philatelic exl Libitions. or given to
philatelic clubs and societies. 'fhese may be '"vritten off from the
stock register at the end of six months. except those on personalities
which should be transferred to the GPO/HO ol the headquarters of
the Circle to which the oersonalitv relates.

Incharge o{ the philatelic bureau will ensure periodically that the

sale proceeds of brochures are duiy creditecl to the post office
account. He will check the unsold brochures in stock with the stock
register and initial the entries in token of havirrg done so.

A copy of the brochure should be displayed orr the notice board of

the Head Post Office for information of the public.
ll Hondbook .n Phil(

CHAPTER-V
PROCEDURE FOR SUPPLY TO PHILATELISTS
AND COI.LECTORS

41. A philatelic bureau deals with the supply of only the cr_rrrent India
spelcial postage stamps, as and when they are newly issued. This
alsr: inclucles F.D.Cs and special covers issued on any event or
occasion, as per notifications issued previously by the Department.
Orders for supply of such stamps should be accompanied by
remittances. either by a rnorrey order or postal order and should
contain the full address to which the stamps are to be sent. The
remittances should include an extra amount to cover postage and
insurance fee"if so desired.

Every attempt should be made to execute such orders according to

instructions contained in the application as long as the stamps are
avzrilable. Sometimes whenever a new or revised itern of postal
stationery such as postcards, inland letter cards, aerogrammes,
enrbossed envelopes, regrstrertion envelopel2are released for sale
from specified da!e, the phil*eiists and collectors oftetn desire to
,U
- havethe-rii cancelled with the date stamp impression of the philatelic
..
bureau so as to indicate that the articles in question were actually
procured by them on the date ,:f issue. If so desired by the philatelists
and collectors, the new or revised items of postal stationery may
be cancelled with the date starnp impression of the philatelic bureau
orr the date of their issue onl17, even if they are not addressed. and
handed over to the purchaser-s. However, it may be made clear to
the parties that such cancelle<l items of postal stationery will not be
accepted for transmission if posted in any letter box or at any office
oifrer than the philatelic burrzau concerned or on any other date.
Sometimes advance orders for supply of such cancelled items of
sttitionery are also received. Such orders should be booked by the
philatelic bureau under the same terms and conditions as those for
new stamps and first day covers.

:22
 Hcndbook on Philately, af I

42. Supplies should be made in sheets. in blocks and also in loose labels
as the dealers or the collectors rnay desire. Wlrile selecting ihe
mint sheets of stamps. it should be ensured that they do not bear
anu npncil writinos on their hack -[he sheets should not be creased
^- r^r'r^r'-
Ul lUlUgU rlr -rAcpq
IJIULLJ. The
r rre JLurrrlJr in the sheets should
stamr,s rri have well
cenlrpd ner[6rations. While breal.ino un the she,et for evpcrrtino
small orders, the sheet should be first folded to the breaking line so
that the perforations do not get darnaged or torn. The stamps with
gum stains or marks of any kind are of no use to the stamp collectors.
and, therefore. should not be sent.

43. Packing: While packing stamps. they must not be kept in a manner
^^ +L-+
)u LrroL +,,.^ ^..,
rwu gurrtrlcd sides totrch each other as in that case stamps
may get stuck and become useless. To avoid this. a full sheet may
be folded in half. the printed sicle facing each other. A blank
transparent sheet of paper cut to convenient size. must be kept
between eacli sheet before dispatch. All stamps nust be sent duly
protected between two cardboards Small orders may be dispatched
in cloth-bound covers. Smali orclers may also be srznt in transparent
polythene errvelopes enclosed in outer paper c,lver. Large size
parcels. besides being protected by cardboarcls. must be first
wrapped in a packing paper to avoid cardboard edges coming out
of the wrappers and damaging the stamps.

44" Mail Orders: Sometimes whenever a series of stamps are issued

mail order forms are got printed b'y the Department and distributed
free to the philatelists and colle,:tors in order to {acilitate their
booking of advance orders for the commemorative/special stamps.

44.1 The following procedure will be followed in respect of the receipt

and adjustment of cash payments received in advance for supply of
F.D.Cs, and new stamps from tim,z to time by the philatelic bureau.

44-2 AII the cash received by a philatelic bureau for supply of F.D.Cs,
brochures and new stamps will be taken as payment by the
postmaster r,vho will grant a receipt in form ACG-67 and account

23
ll Handbook on Philaielg

for the arnount under "Unclassified Receipts" and rnaintain the

following particulars in respect of each transaction in a separate
register, opened for the purpcse.

1. Date of receipt.
2. Name and address of the philatelist.
3. Details of FDCs. brochurets and stamps etc. ordered.

4. Value of the FDCs, brochures and stamps etc. plus the postage
for dispatch.
5. Total amount received.
6. No. of receipt in for:m hCG_67.
7. Initials of the Treasurer f,cr the receipt of the amount as entered
in column 5.

B. Date of final adjustrnent and manner of adjustrnent (in case

the stamps are sent b-v post. the number and date of the
registered letter or in ,lase these are deliverecl at counter,
dated signature of tfre r,zc:pient to be indicated,/taken there).

44.3 The officer-in-charge of the philatelic bureau will ent,zr the details
in columns 1 to 6. On the day c,n which the stamps are to be issued
in respect of which advance remittances have been received, the
Postmaster will charge it u'der'Unclassified payments". The
charge
under ucP should be supprorted by covering sa.ction (accompanied
by an extract of the reqis;ter) issued by the Divisional
Superintendent,/Postmaster (Group 'B' and above) as the case mav
be.

45. ln respect of those orders which are to be deliver-ed over the counter,
the offieer-in-charge of the philatelic bureau will prepare separate
covers for each philatelist and cleliver them over the counter after
obtaining their dated initials in the register in column g, a remark
to the effect that the supplies have been made .ver in person being
recorded on the back of the,rriginal receipt in form r\cG-67. In

aA
 Handbook on Philotely lll

respect of the orders which are to be sent by post. the officer-in-

charge of philatelic bureau wili take necessary action to arrange
dispatch of stamps and stationery by registered post, prepared wrth
postage and paste the receipt argainst the order in the register. lf
any order js not taken delivery of across the counter. these packets
will be kept separate by the officer-in-charge,/supervisor of the
philatelic bureau for delivery at a subsequent date.

46. Any account left over after meeting the cost of the order. will be
returned in the iorm of currer.t postage starrrps and in case the
remittance falls short of the required atnount. reduction o{ the
corresponding value will be rnade in the order.

47. It is emphasized that while dispatching the philatelic items. against

the orders, the material should be properly packed with cellophane
envelopes and cardboards to give proper protection to the philatelic
items so that the envelopes may not give way during trarrsit. Bubble
packing may be used where deremed fit.

48. It is likely that opening and operating of Philatelic Deposlt Accounts

online will be enabled through the e-post of{ice. In that case. the
operational instructions for that will be suitabl'/ notified.

'25
 CHAPTER.VI
CANCEI,t,ATION

49. Cancellation: Canceliati,:n pr,rut6.d by philatelic bureaux can be

of the following types:
i. Special First Day CarrceLlation

ii. Special Place Cancellatior:

iii. Philatelic Exhibition Cancellation

iv. PictorialCancellatiorr
v. Special cancellation pro,,'ided to commermorater any event.
institutions and inaucrural f liqhts.

50. Special First Day Cancellation: Special first day c;ancellations

and first day issue cancellation are provided on the first day covers.
private covers and album pragets having the commemorative stamps
affixed thereon at the philatelic bureaux for six monl.hs from the
day of issue of the stamp(s). -I'hru philatelic counters dc, not provide
special first day cancellatio:n though they use a standard cancellation
with the wc,rds "First Day of Issuer" along r"vith changeable date stanrp
of the office of issue on the date,:n which a commemoriative,/special
postage stamp is issued. 'fhe following are some illustrations of a
special 'First Day of issu,z c'ancellation provided by a philatelic
counter:

3. 10.2003
It/
tr m
{
Fx
fE
v
g
rr
=-6ffiY
l2
U' .GFrfr
-w
o --\
.Tt ----\F|RST DAY-- ,
l/ 2
p () -{.JSSUE
F
{$ fld 110001 NetrD€hi

26
 Hondbool: on Philatelv lll

51. The Philatelic Bureaux,/Counters are supplied with date stamps

with the inscriptions 'Philatelic []ureau" or 'Philatelic Counter" and
a hand starnp with the legend First Day of Issue". These stamps
must be kept in the personal custody of the Postmaster/Asstt.
Postmaster,/Supervisor,/lncharge of the Philatelic Bureau,/Counter
and he willbe held responsible if the stamp is put to improper use.
The types rneant for this stamp s;hould not be used for other stamps
in the office.

51.1 The ordinary date stamp with the inscriptions 'Philatelic Bureau"
or 'Philatetic Counter" will be r-rsed by the Bureau or the Counter
to cancel the postal stationery bearing advertisements. The stamp
bearing the legend "First Day of Issue" will be used by the Philatelic
Bureau ancl the Counter whenever new stationery with a new design
is issued. In case of Philatelic Counters these stamps will be used
whenever special commemorative stamps are issued since special
carrcellations cachets are not supplied to them.

51.2 A common design of the canc:ellation cachet to be used for the

particular special,/commemorative stamp(s) is sent to ail the Heads
of the Circles by Philately Branch of Postal Directorate, well in
advance of the actualdate o{'is:;ue. The Head of the Circle willget
the cancellation cachet for all philatelic bureaux in his jurisdiction
manufactured and supplied so as to reach the bureaux before the
date of issue. The cachet sfrould be in consistence with the
specification indicated in rule 6 of the Handbook' The special
cancellation cachets should on receipt and after checking be kept
under the personal custody of the Postmaster. They nlust be used
only on the designated dates. All Heads of clircles are advised to
check their e-mail so that cachets are prepared well in time and
they are alerted to any change of dates.

51.3 Care must be taken to see that cachets bear correct date, month
and year before bringing thern into use' This should be checked up
by the clerk and supervisor personally and they should place their
initials in the Book of Post MaLrks against the impression taken in

27
I Handbook on philotely

token of having carried out the crreck. The use

of ink of any corour
other than black is prohibited. The cancellation shourd
be provided
using black ink only.

52' Return of special canceilation cachet: The 'First

Day Issue
cancellation' on the First tray c,vers contlnues to be prrovided
for
a period of six months i'rorn the actual dav of issue of the
commemorative stamp. The speciar covers also remain
on sale and
special cancellations are providecl at the nominated post
offices for
a period of six months frorn the date of issue. It may
somerlmes
happen that some orders for the first day covers and spr:cial
covers
placed before the date of issue otstamp(s) and
special ,covers may
be received by post at the Bureau even a[ter the date of issue.
These orders should be honourec. The philatelic bureau
wirl retain
the cachet under the persoral custody of the postmast(?r
after the
date of issue of the new stanrp the date of the issue of the speciar
'r
cover for executing the mair orders and for providing the
speciar
cancellation on the First Day covers and special covers. The
cancellation cachet should, horvever. be returne,l positively to
the
supdt. Postal Forms and sieals. Aiigarh after six morrths of the
release of the stamp or one morrth in case of special ,3over
after
executing the mail orders and supply to deposit account holders.
change in orders regarding disposal if anyinrtl be notified.
'-;.^;t,.i
53. special Place cancellations: Sometimes specitrr cancellations are
provided by the Departmenl at the places other than thrz phiratelic
bureau and philatelic counters which have a speciar significance in
relation to the special/commemorative stamp issued by the
Department. Information i. re,rard to such cancellatiorrs is issued
by the Department in the form o{ circulars to the official agencies
and in the form of newslettr:r/ltostal notice for the berrefit of the
philatelists and collectors.

Places having special significance rn relation to the commemoratrve

stamp are described in the t,roch're of the stamp. The collectors
may desire to have the spe:ial prace cancellation on the articres

28
 Hondbook on PhilotelY lll

carrying the commemorative or other

stamps' The Post Offices at
places of special significance shoulcl provide
their own cancellation
possible a pictoriai canceiiation
on the articre on demand. whenever
may be provirled' It is not neces:;ary
to send the articles to the
asked for' if a pictorial
philatelic bureaux,/counter unless' it is
cancellation is available at the place
of posting'

S4.PhitatelicExhibitionCancellations:PhilatelicExhibition
the Circles on the
Heads of
Cancellations can be approved by the
organized properly by the
occasion of the philatelic exhibiiions
Such cancellations can
philatelic clubs. societies and orgar'izations'
philatelic exhibitions held by
also be provided on the occasion of
institutions' clubs'
non-philatelic organizations' such as educational
andassociationslikeRotaryorLiotrslnternationaletc.Periodically'
Postal Department
philatelic exhibitions are also organized by the
and International
at the circle level or district level' National
Philatelic Exiribitions are organized by the
PostalDirectorate' New
power to permit to provide
Delhi. Heads o{ the Circles also have the
organized by
canceilations in arlvance of the philatelic exhibition
{or the exhibition"
the Department in order to give advance publicity
Suchcancellirtionsareprovidedatselectedpostoi{icesintheCircle.
canceilations for
The Postmaster General may approve special
philatelic exhibitionsndepartmental or non-departmental oin
consultation with the Head of ther Circle'

55. Pictorial cancellations: Pictorial cancellatio'",s ul-e provided by

places of maior
the Department in post offices which are located at
are
historical importance or tourist attraction' Such cancellations
introduced on a specific date' In{ormation in this
regrd' is issued
ihroughcirculars,/noticesandnelwsletterforadvancepublicityso
thatthecollectorsknowabouttheintroductionofsuchcancellations.
date stamp
These cancellatiom will replacel the ordinary round
cancel]ationoftheparticularposto{ficeandwillbeinuseasa
regularmeasureinthepostofficeuntilthediscorrtinuanceisordered
may approve
by the Head of the circle. The Postmaster General
of the Circle'
these cancellations in consultation with the Head
lll Hondbook on philxelg

56' speciar cancelration: H€:ads of circles are the competenl

authority to sanction special cancellation
and covers commemorating
any eventlinstitution/in.ugurerr
flight under their jurisdiction sr_rbject
to the following terms and conditions:

A. A special cancellation ,with or without a special

cover may be
approved keeping in mind the following
points:
i) The subject/occasion is of consiclerable
impor tance/
relevance at the Stale level.
ii) It will boost local philatelic interest.
ii| The subject,/occasion is non_controversial
and bears no
communal or politlcal overtones.
iv) The proponent,s are of repute with established
credibility.
They should not be indulging in activities
which may be a
cause of embarrass;ment to the Government
of India.
B. The Proponent will provide the following
details/material to
the Heads of the Circle for consideratiori
of the proposal.
i) The proposed date oI issue.
ii) Proposed design fcr the special cancellation.
iii) Name$ (s) of the post office (s) orland ther
venue from
rvhere such spe,:ial cancellations are to be provided.
The legend in the cancellation design should
be bilingual (first
in Hindi and then English) indicating the date
mentioning only
lhe event/occasion b,eing r:ommemorated.
The clesign should
incorporate the narrre ancl the plN of the post office
where
the special cancellation is to be provided. In case
the special
cancellation is to be provided at a separate venue,
it should
be the PIN of the po:;t office in whose delivery jurisdiction
the
venue is located. Tfre design should be in
the form of a line
drawing so that the impressions are neat and clean.
D. The design of the cancellation should be of secular
nature and
shouid be devoid of any nuances r,vhich may cause
embarrassment to the Gov,ernment.

30
 Hondbook on philatety lll
E' The proponent will be reqr-rired to pay to the Department
in
advance, the fees prescribetd from trme to time.

F. The cachet (s) for the special cancellation should be as per the
desigrr approved by the Head of the circle and will be
manufactured by the concerned Circle Ofiice.

56'1 The Department reserves the right to reject any application for
special cancellation or to disallow or modify any design or
inscnption
in the special cancellation u,ithout assigning anv reason.

56.2 All cancellartions should be neat and clean. cachets should

be
properly engraved. Philatelic bureaux may take the assistance
of
treadle machine or other mechanical device approved by the
Department to provide neat and distinct impressions.

56-3 Sometimes when a new flight is irrtroduced by an Air Lines. National

or International. a request is recerived to carry addressed covers on
the inaugural flight from one point in the country to another or
from one p.int in the country to another point irr a foreign country.
Generally. to identify such covers having been r:arried on the first
flight, a special cancellation is provided at the point of origin. when
such proposals are received and approved. the proponent will be
requested to offer all such covers to the philatelic bureau on the
eve <>f the flight for providing spercial cancellation. After doing so,
the covers will be closed in a bl,rz air mail bag and handed over to
the air line concerned under receipt. Delivery post marks of the
place of destination can also be p,rovided if requested. This can
be
provided in a foreign country if the request is rerceived sufficiently
in advance by making arrangements with the postal Adminrstration
of the country concerned.

57 . Design of cancellation: The designs of first &ycancellation and

special cancellation are selected by the Department. such
cancellations can be either pict:rial or non-pictorial but should
invariably contain the subject of thre theme on the occasion of which
these cancellations have been provided. The special place

3i
ll Hondbook on Philarely

cancellations will have the same theme as of the first day

cancellations, which are pror,'ided in the philatelic bureaux but with
the name of the particular post'ffice. other than a philatelic bureau.
which is located in the p;rrticular place.

57.1 In the case of philatelic e><hib,ition cancellations. the design may be

either pictorial or non-pictorial preferably witfr a slogan conveying
the message for promoti.n c,f philately. It should also indicate the
name of the philatelic e:xhibitron and the date (s) on which the
exhibition is held in addition to the name of the post ofl,ice at which
the canceilation is provicied. Such cancelrations arer provided at
the venue of the exhibition b,/'pening a special extension counrer
of the post office in the town ,alrcrethe exhibition is herld. Normally
for each clay of the exhioition. different cancellation is provided
like inaugural day, post ol'ficer day. philatelists' day, award day etc.
In case a pictorial design is adcpted for a philatelic cerncellation, it
should be ensured that the pict'rial design adopted is a simple line
drawing so that clear irnpressions can be obtainerd when the
cancellation is provided.

57.2 In case of pictorial cancellatirxs for places of major rristorical and

t. tourist
I
attraction, the design a<lopted must have relevance to the
{r historical and tourist,si[frli.iii"nlor the particular places. It should
(.\
.{,, be in simple iine dra,iring so that clear impressions can be obtained.
.\ It should be bilingual in Hindi and English. Regional language should
tt.\ not find place in the cancellatrons. Hindi r"vill appear at the top and
t4 English below. Numerals, such as date. year erc., will be in Arabic
numerals only.

58" Manufacture of cancellation cachet: The cachets, for the first

day cancellations and specia). p,lace cancellations are supplied by
the Head of the circle to the philatelic bureaux and post offices
concerned. The Postal Directorate circulates the common design
of the cancellation for the cornrnemorative starnp (s) inscribing the
date of release, to all Heads ,cf the Circles for getting the cachets
manufactured at their end ancls,-rpplied to allthe philatelic bureaux

32
 Hondbook on Philatelgt lll

under their jurisdiction. The r:ancellation cachet for philatelic L

tlt/
exhibitions are also supplied by the Heads of the Circles concerned.
After the design of a cancellation is approvec. the Head of the
Circle should arrange for local rnanufacturing of the cancellation(.y
cachet for philatelic exhibitions. as they are with fixed dates. For
pictorial cancellations at places of historical importance or tourist
attraction, the Head of Circle shor,rld take up with the Supdt. Postal
Forms and Seals, Aligarh by supplying him r.vith the necessary design
much in aclvance of the date of introduction of the cancellation
under intimation to all concerned Slnce this cancellation will replace
the date stamp cancellation, this should have provision for insertion
of lrrnes f nr datpc mnnths :nd r roarq

59. Guidelines for providing Special Cancellation: The Heads of

Postal Circles may approve an<l arrange for F,rovision of special
cancellation in all cases except those concerning diplomatic relations
of India with other countries which will continue to be approved by
the Postal Directorate. on realiz,rlion of prescril.led fees as given in
this chapter subject to the tenns and conditions; mentioned earlier.

All proposals received in Circles ior provision of philatelic exhibition

cancellations and pictorial cancellations should be carefully
scrutinized and personally appr:oved by the Flead of the Circle.
The proposals should ordinarily be entertained if they are received
at least 8 u'eeks in advance. It should be ensured that the design is
appropriate to the theme and the spellings arer correct. It should
be bilingual. in Hindi as well a:; in English. A copy of the letter
issued by the Head of the Circle. approving the proposal of the
cancellation along with a copy cf the desrgn, srhould invariably be
sent to the Philately Branch oi the Directorate for information and
giving publicity in the newslette:r brought out by the Department.
In addition the Head of the Circle should also ernsure country wide
publicity as far as possible, at least 15 days in advance of the due
date of the provision of cancellation for the benefit of philatelists
and others. They can also send a copy of the publicity material or
a press note to the officer-in-charge of the Press Information Bureau
f nr nr rhlinilr
rvr r i-
lrl lnr:l
rvLur norl/a n:rrore
rr9wJ
lJuvrrvrry lJulJLrJ.
'13
ll Hondbook on Philately

60. Charges for Special Cancellation: Once the proposal is

approved. the proponent ,,r,'ill be required to pay the Department
the followinq fees:

i) Spnqtj{ cancellation /<:ov,zr to be provided on working

days -
(so-D
n9 'r:_r
- per day per posr oftice. Rre;OOi-;;;; ; ;;"
!tct'. provrcled at the premises of the propone"t.
(/*( .
1(
ii) Special cancellation/:gu_gt.tg.be provided ori Sundays and
postal holidays - ns.iSOO0f !r;i A"v pe,r posr off ice and
R{6000/: per day if iils ro be provided at the premises of
r'\ -.Fl
' the proponent. The canctzllation,/cover will be proriided during
the normal working hours r>f the post offices. Hcwever. the
Head of the circle may offer 50!"0 concession on the rates for
a special cancellation during District, State as r,vell as circle
a-rldStional level philatelic exhibition if it is not organized by
the Department.

61. Guidelines for Formal Release Function of special cover and

Cancellation:

61.1 rhe Department of Posts does'ot normally organize any formal

function for release of special covers. The proponent .r individual
organizations who moot such pr.posals may, however, request the
concerned F{ead of the circte for permission to organize a function.
This should be done sufficiently in advance and such a proposal
should be accompanied by a dra{t minute-to-rninute programme
and dais plan of the proposed function and a draft invitation card
so that appropriate protocol is m-intained and tfrere is a uniformitv
of approach.

61.2 Any formal release functio. for ir Special cover by a dignitary of

the central or state governn,lent should have an appropriate
representative (usually Head c,f the CirclelRegional pMG of the
concerned circle,/Region) of the Department of posts. Exceptions
to this are made only when the prersident of India, the Vice-president
of India, the Prime Minister of India or the Speaker. Lok Sabha or
 ' .l r.-1.'J
\J: . ..F;-
\ \- I '' '
t +-' L. '' Hondbook on Philotel; I I I
Vttttt{ l/1 f{f\.
Governorzlliovernor of a r6tate/LIn i o nfJrit, rry,/c,:nsents f or rel ease
ot special covers. On such occasions the Minister of
communications/lvlinister of State for communications normally
presents ther first Album containing the cover to them for release.
It is, therefore. imperative that the Moc/MOS(c) derivers his speech
and introduces the special cover before its release. Regardless
of
the dignitary who is invited by the proponen{ to qrace the occasion.
it is necessary that letters of inviration issuenfronr the proponent to
the MOC/MOS(C) and Secretary. Departfrent of posts, (or the
cPIvlG/PMG in circlelRegion level function) to ascertain therr
con!'enlence. {--'..11'"/
r {'r' I I '
' '-1{-11

61-3 The levelpl fhe Department s representation at a release function

is
@nygll5rtlecided keeping in view the level an<l status of the VIp
who is to receive the first Albun of the cover to mark its formal
release.

6l .4 It is the responsibility of the organ jzer to ersure that all the necessary
arrangements for the functions inciuding printing and issue of
invitation cards, site preparation. r;ecurity arrangements. liaison with
press, T.V. etc. for publicity of the event etc. harve been made.

5r.5 If necessary, the proponent wili have to arrange dist.bution of

special covers to the VIPs attending the release :unction as well as
material used in the presentaticn Albums at their own cost.

6l-6 No formal release function for a s;peciar cover m.y be held without
specific prior approval from the Department of posts. The
Department does not take any responsibility for extending the usual
support as irrdicated above. for the release function, unless approval
for the function has been obtaine d in advance.

35
 CHAPTER-VII
DEPOSIT ACCOUNT SYSTEM

62- Deposit Account system for coilectors and phiraterists: A

domestic philatelic deposit account system was introdueed with
effect from 1.8.1965 at all phiratelic bureaux in India. The
customers who wish to take advantage of this facility are supplied
with the commemorative,/sprecial issues of stamps. F.D.Cs,
information sheets and new po:;tal stationery soon after therr issue.
The new postal stationery urith advertisement issued by the
Department of Posts ca' ber s;uppried through philartelic deposit
account opened at the selected philatelic bureaux cnly. namely.
Bangalore, chennai, Hyderabad. Korkata, Lucknow. Mumbai and
sansad Marg. New Delhi. Dornestic philatelic accou.t holder can
also obtain philatelic iterrrs is;sr-red by other philatelic bureaux and
post offices by placing their demands r,r"'ith the Bureau where their
accounts stand. The bureau will consolidate ail such <iemands and
place an indent on the bureau or the post office issuing philatelic
items. The Philatelic Bur,zau,/Fost office will treat th,z cls5p.1.h.,
as remittances to other Head post Offices.

Philatelic counters are funclioning at ail the Head post offices.

The philatelic counter at offices other than philatelic bureaux would
offer registration facility for opening of p.D. Account with supply
of the material to be made bv the parent bureau of tfre respective
counter. with customers hzrving rhe option to book from the counter
of registration.

62-l lr is likely that opening anci operating of philatelic Deposit Accounts

online will be enabled throughr the'yVirtual post officd In that case,
the operational instructions f,rr fi'raiwill be suitably n.tified.

63. Conditions of Servicr,rjhn, u..ount may be op,zned with a

minimum deposit of,Bsk1oy in cash,or by rernittanctz by M.O. or
by cheque/draft engashllie in lndia! wrtn the rerrrittances the
rr(-
:i8
-C, l'a si-- r:tjr,rr ,.Y/
'.':- [.ir;,-tc C l'r K. itrbi{f '
-i
-' f,1t
Ci'i<r..'1( .
 Hondboc,k on philately lll

customers should also indicate clearly the types and quantities

of
philatelic items they desire to purchase with each issue of
new stamp.
They should also notify to the phiiatelic bureau in time, the changes
of their addresses jf any. The items indicated in the application
form' will be dispatched to the <;ustomer automatically without
any
further order on the part of the customer. such despatches
will be
made once a month in the first week of the month and
wiil include
all issues of the previous month. No dispatch rvilr be made
if there
has been no issue. If . however. a phiratelic account holder
desires
dispatch of philatelic articles in'rmediately after every rerease, full
postage and registration fee wiil be debited against his
account.

64' Mode of dispatch and charges for dispatch of phiratelic items:

The items will be dispatched frea "on postai Serrvice" by registered
post unless the customer specif ically desires that the items
shourd
be sent to him by insured post. In that event the insurance
fee will
be debited to his deposit account. No separate registration or
insurance or postage charges wiil be levied unress otherwise desirerl
by the customer in the circumstances stated above.

64-1 The Philatelic Deposit Account holder may also collect these rtems
aller every issue, by calling at tl^Le cor-rnter of the philatelic bureau.
This. however, will not be allowed on the date of the issue of the
stamp but on subsequent dates.

64.2 with each dispatch, a statenrert of account will be sent to the

depositor indicating the value of the supplies made and the balance
at credit remaining in the account of the customer. It will be the
responsibility of the customer to replenish the deposit when the
balance at credit becomes too low to cover the value of a single
order. The deposit should be replenished by a sum of not less than
Rs.200l-. The account will bec,rme inoperative when the balance
- -\r----4
ot the d-{posit is less than the value of a single order. The account
will ba brgught into operation again only wherr a fresh deposit of
Rr\Ty- i5 made. Where an ac,:ount has become inoperative and
a fresfr d"pprit is not made within a period of three months, the
balan(e at ciedit less commissio;r will be remitted to the depositor

JI
I Handbook on Philarely '"1t,

by money order and the accour't finally closed. An account can

also be closed on request f rom the depositor.
I

65- How to open a philatelic Dep'sit Account: If any one wishes to

operate a Philatelic Deposit Acc<>unt with the philatelic bureau, an
application in the prescribed prof.rma as given in Annex.
IVrfri'brleaf
(form for PDA appln) may be sernt to the phirateli. Bu.euira
hrt
of Philatelic Bureaux is given in Annex.V List of Bureaux.

66- Procedure at the Philatelic Bureau: A philatelic .Bureau wiil

maintain an order register and also a ledger as qiven in Annex.
VI
- (A) vl (B) register formar for pDA + redger respectivery. The
Philatelic Bureau will also prepare a statement of supplies made to
philatelic deposit account holders every month.

66-l on receipt of the application. at the phiratelic Bureau, the

particulars of the names and acidresses of the applicant will
be
noted in the order Register chr.noiogically. The required particulars
in the application will be filled irr and signed by thez officer-in-charge.
The application with the clep'srt amount should be s;ent to the
Treasurer for crediting the amount under Unclassified Ileceipts.

66-2 After the particulars of cred,t intimaterj by the 'freasurer,

ha,,,,z been
an account will be opened in the ledger. The particulars in the
application should be noted verr/ carefulry in the ledger and the
supervisor should initial these entries as well as thrz dispatch
instructions at the top of the forn. The applicant should then be
intimated of the date on whicl-L his account has been opened and
the number assigned to it. -fhe application will then be placed in a
guard file with the philatelic deposit account number noterd thereon.

-66-3 on each occasion when a clispatr:h has been made, ther entries in
the Ledger should be made and the balance struck and initialed by
the Supervisor. A statemernt of account in the prof.rma as at
Annex.VII6ffi;i-9{ tc*iil be prepared and sent arong with
the dispatch./This should tally wilh the corresponding entry in the
|Leugsl.
^A-^- |

I
!
I 38
I
I
\'\r \
YrL' -
 Handbook on Philotelv atl

66-4 A monthly statement of the supplies made under the Deposit

Account should be prepared. The amount shown in the monthly
statement will be charged under 'Unclassified payment'. This should
be supported by a covering sa.ction for the consolidated amount
charged under UCP, issued by the Divisional Superintendent,/
Postmaster (Group B and abovtz) as the case may be. One copy of
the statement along with a copy,of the sarrction memo covering the
entire amc,unt should be sent to the postmaster f or onward dispatch
to the Director of Account (postai) with the monthly cash account.

66-5 whiie dispatching the philateric items. the material should be

properly packed with cellopharre envelopes arLd cardboard to give
proper protection to them.

67. concessions to clubs and societies: The philatelic clubs and

Associations should be encor:raged to open derposit accounts with
Philatelic Bureaux and items of philately ordered by these clubs
and associations should be dispatched free on postal Service by
registered post provided the minimum value oi' the order at a time
is Rs'5002'- (Five Hundred only) or above. The individual members
can collect their items from such clubs and ass(fciations.

68- stamps of u.N. and other countries: sometimes stamps of other

countries and U.N. are made available for sale in India through
Philatelic Bureaux. These starnps not being new issues brought
out by the Department of Posrs, India. will not come within the
purview of Philatelic Deposit l\ccount system. such depositors
should purchase them from the nominated philatelic Bureau in the
normal course. These stamps arre to be sold o.ly through selected
Philatelic Bureaux namely Banqalore, chennai. Kolkata, Mumbai
and Sansad Marg, New Delhi and these are not to be supplied to
Philatelic Counters for sale.

69- Deposit Account service for Foreign collectors: philatelic

Deposit Account Service is availerble to foreign collectors at Philatelic
Bureau, Mumbai. As such. no other bureau in Irrdia should entertain
applications from the foreign collectors. However, if any such
39
ll Hondbook on Philotely
,!+,
application is received this., rray be forwarded to the Director.
Philatelic Bureau. Mumbaldr3.p O.-400001 for necessary action
under intimation to the ar:Fiicant.

70. Items Supplied: Collector:; may place standing orders printed

overleaf of the applicatir:n form, for the supply of new
commemorative or special issue:; of indian stamps. First Day covers.
new stationery and brochures which would automatically be supplied
by the Philatelic Bureau. Mumbai as soon as a new issue is brought
out. They can also place order f,rr 'collectors packs' is:;ued annuallv
by the Department of Posts.

71. Opening and operation of account: An account may be opened

with a minimum deposit of an arnount in foreign currency equivalent
to Rs.5000/- by cheque or banx draft encashable in India. In case
the actual amount of cheqr-re or bank draft realized in rupee currency
is less than the prescribed amount of Rs.5000,/- on account of
fluctuation in the rate of e;<ch,ange. the depositor account would be
debited with the amount of the difference between Rs.5000,2- and
the amount actually realized.

Along with remittances. the customer should indicate clearly the

types and quantities of Philaterlic items they desire to purchase with
each issue of new stamps. The minimum order on each occasion
should not be less than an anrount equivalent to Rs.500,2-.

72. Mode of dispatch: The itenrs will be dispatched under registered

post unless the customer specificaliy desires otherwise. The actual
postage prepaid will be derbited against the deposit account. The
packing charge at the rate of rwo percent of the value of items
dispatched on each occasion subject to minimum of Rs.10/- will
also be levied.

73. statement of account and its replenishment: with erach dispatch

a statement of account will be enclosed indicating the value of the
supplies made and balance at credit remaininq in the account of
the customers. It will be the customer's responsibirity to replenish

40
 l-londbook on philotely llJ
the deposit when it approaches exhaustion.
The deposit should be
replenished by a sum of not less than an amount
equivalent to
Rs.2500/- (Rs. Two thousand fi've hundred only).
The account
will become inoperative when the balance of the deposit
is less
than the value of a single order plus postage
and packing charges.
The account will be brought into operation
again only if a fresh
deposit of minimum amount is made.

74' Form of opening the account: The collectors who wish

to avail
o{ the Philatelic Deposit AccourLt service may please send
the
application as at Annex. VIII(appl for pD A/c oversealauty
fitled in to the tven
phirateric Bureau. Iviumbai
G.p.o. 400001 (rndia)
with necessary remittance. The form is also available
on w,ebsite of
the Department olinogli: http:/ /vtww.indiapost.prQ,
qrv. t.,,

,-'v]
Qt'
lll Handbook on Phtlr

CHAPTER.VIII
MISCEI,LANEOUS

75- Guidelines for issue of commemorative/special postage stamps:

i) The subject of the stanrp must be a theme of relevance to the
nation, its policies and iss;ues of concern.
ii) Proposals should be taxen up well in ad'ance about two years
before the proposerd clate of issue alo'g with iull details to
enable proper exarnin,ation and obtaining recommendations
of tne Philatelic Aclvis,cr,y Committee. -[he pr.posals should
be submitted in the format at Annex lX(ormat for proposaj) -
This is also available orr the website of lndia post,
iii) A stamp on a living persc,nality may not be issue:d.
iv) The personalities on,,vhonr commemorati""lffi;'d'" issued should
be of national or international importanc4The occasion to be
commemorated mr_rst be the birth centenary or |}th/z\th/
50th/10Oth death anniversary. To ensure objectirre assessment
of the proposal no :starnp will be issued sooner than ten years
after the individual's; death: only exceptions made will be in the
case of deceased Herads; of State.
v) Not more than one sl:amp rnay be issued orr the same personalityl
monument/building/institution or organization.
vi. A stamp on an institution. building. ffionurr)€rLt etc. may be
issued on its centen ary,/725th anniversary,/1b0th anniversary
etc. The building. institution to be so honoured mus;t be a Heritage
Preservation site of national,/intemational importa.nce. A building
of regional importance nray be commernoratecl with issue of
special cover with special cancellation.
vii) Events of very important national or internatironal character only
may be considered for iss;ue oJ the stamp. Events of regional
significance may be cornrnemorated through issue of a special
cover with special cancellatron.

4ta.
 Llondbook tn PhilotelY lll

viii) Stamps may not be issued to honour comrrrercial, political or

sectarian organlzations.
iv) Siamns mau not be issrred to honour institulions or individuals
whose main achievements are confined to tiie field of religion.
x) Stamps may not be issued to honour schools. colleges, libraries,
hospitals, municipalities, cities or similar rnstitution due to the
limitations placed in the annual stamp issue programme and
the vast number oi such things. It woulC be difficult to single
out one for commemoration. It is advisable, if essential. to
issue a stamp on the aperx institution' not on individual
branches.
xr) Out of the commemorative,/special stamps issued every year,
those on personalities should not normally exceed 25'1/0.
Further. at least 25"" stamps every year should be on popular
themes like flora and fauna. arls and culture etc. These stamps
will be issued under the series "Heritage lndia" and "Nature
India".

7 6- Fictitious Stamps: The manufacture and use oi fictitious postage

stamps for any purpose whatsoever is prohibited and is an o{fence
punishable under Section 26ll-l\ of the Indian Penal Code. Re-
production of stamps is allowed f,rr illusiration purposes in Philatelic
publications or an article relating wholly on postage stamps which
may appear in any magazine, newspaper or pubiication of a general
character. Such production shcuid. however. be only in black' If
stamps are to be reproduced in t:olour for publir:ity purposes, prior
permission of the Secretary. Department of Posl.s must be obtained.
The Department o{ Posts has a policy to ler,y charges for issuing
postage stamps for publicity, advertising, book covers etc. The
policy operative at the time shoul,l be ascertained. To avoid similarity
with the ;rostage stamps such reproduction must be without
perforation on the edges. A cross bar will als'r be placed on one
corner of the stamp, obliterating the denomination. It must be noted
that reproduction of the stamp in colour of the actual size of the
stamp with perforation on the erlges may be deemed to be taken as

,13
ll Hondbook on Philatelv

production of the actual stanrp. postage stamps used for aclveftisement.

on book covers. sleeves of cDs. DVDs etc. or on arry hoardirrg,
billboard or for any kind o{ publicity by any person or organrzation
other than the Deparlment of posts. are likely to be charged an amount
to be determined by the Deparlment at the time of approvlng rts use.

77 - coloured blow-ups of stamps: From time to time the postal

Department brings out blow-ups .f stamps on imporlant lersonalities
and events. Functions are alsc> held on very selecti'ue basis for
release of the stamps at pl-ce:; associated with the per:sonalities
or
events concerned. For this [)urpose the blow-up of a commemoratlve
stamp is supplied by the Department. After the function the blow-up
is normally donated to the prrrponents as a token of r3ood will in
arranging the release function. on the rare occasionr; where the
Department itself arranges a :;tamp rerease function. the blow-up
should be neatly got framecl and hung in the nearby post office.

Apart from the release functic,ns;. blow-r-rps are arso prepared and
supplied to the proponents ar:,d interested partres. These are not
free and are supplied on receiving firm orders with advance payment
at the rate decided by the Department from tirne to time. These
blow-ups can also be suppli,zd to Heads of postal circres for
decorating the offices on payment.
7a- Release Functions: A release function need not ne,:essarily be
held for each and every issue but selectively for certain issues
depending trpon the requirements of the occasion,/proponent. The
relevant insiructions will be follorved by Heads of circles whenever
a stamp release function is beirrg organized either by the proponent
or by the Department. The guidelines for the release functrons are
given below this rule. when a stamp rerease function is beirrg organized
by the proponent. the Head of th.e circle will keep cons;tant liaison
with the proponent sufficiently irr advance of the schedr-rled date of
the function when the commr-rnications Minister is attending such a
function, Head of the circle should personally visit th,e venue to
acquaint himself with the place so that on the date of release function.
the communications Minister is not put to any inconrrenience or
embarrassment. The orgarrizers should be told to finalise the draft

44
 Hondbook on philatetg lll
invitation card, dais plan and minLlte-to-minute programme
of the
function in advance and a copy cf the same may
Le sent to the
Directorate for information of the communications
Minister. when
lhe stamp relerase function forms a part of a bigger function
on the
occasion of which the stamp is bei'g released. the
stamp rerease wourd
ordinarily find place in the programme in the begirrning.
Rerease is
normally done by presenting an album containing the
stamps and the
first day cover and unveiling the blow-up. After presentation,
the
chief guest will exhibit the album in his hands to facilitate photography
by the media. where feasible, a blow'-up of the stamp will
be unveiled.
Heads of the circles will intimate the Directorate well
in advance of
their requirement of presentation albums. FDCs. souvenir forders
etc.
so that the Directorate can send thes;e in time to them.
A blow-up of
the sanie will also generally be prepared by the Directorate
for sending
it to the Head of the circle in whose jurisdiction such a release
function
is being organized. Heads of circles rnay send a
suitabre representative
to Philately Division to collect all material for the release. The blow_
up will be donated to the proponents at the end of the function.
when a functi,rn is arranged by the Department itself the blow-up
will be sent to the philatelic bureau ,lr the nearest prost office as the
case may be. It will be the responsibility of the Hea<i of the
circle to
ensure that the: release functions are held befitting the image of the
Departrnent.
78. r Guidelines for holding of forma.l stamp release function:
i) The Deparlment of posts does rrot normally organize any formal
function for release of commemorative,/Special postage
stamps. The proponent of particular stamp(s) or individual
organizations who moot such proposalrs and provide
backgrou.d materiar for desigr:, and information brochure erc.
can. however. request the Department for permission to
organize a function. This shourd. however. be done sufficiently
in advance and such a proposal should be accompanied by a
draft minute-to-minute progj:amme and dais plan of the
proposed function and a draft invitation czrrd so that the
Department could adopt unifor:nity of approach.

+c
lll Hsndbook on Philotelv

ii) Any formal release fr.tn,:tion for a stamp shculd have an

appropriate repres€rntati\/e of the Department o{ Posts. The
postage stamp. whrch is the legally valid receipt for postage
paid, can be releasecl by elther the Mlnister for Cc,mmunications
or Minister of Stat,z for Communications. In case it is not
convenient for either o{ tfrem to release t}re stamp, the postage
stanrp can be released ry the Secretary. Department of Posts.
Member of the Postal Services Board or the Chief Postmaster
General concerned. Exceptions to this are marde only when
the President of India. tl^e Vice-President of InCia, the Prime
Minister o{ lndia. t)re lipeaker. Lok Sabha or the Governor,/
Lt. Governor of ther Stat,z/Union Territory consent to release
the postage stamp. Or such occasiorrs the lvlOC/MOS(C)
reqtrests the President/\tice-President/Prime lt4inister or the
Speaker, Lok SabLra to unveil the blo'*'-up of the
commemorative st,amp ,rnd thereafter he presents the first
Album to them for release. lt is. there'Jore, irnperative that
the MOC/lvlOS(C) delivers his speech and introduces the stamp
be{ore actually requesting them for its release. Regardless of
the dignitary who is inrited by the proponent to grace the
occasion. it is neces;sary that letters of invitation issue from the
proponent to the MOCz'MOS(C) and Secretar,y'. Department
of Posts, to ascertain the ir convenience. The l:,roponent may
be advised to obtajn the confirmation,/rlonsent of dignitaries
weli in advance ancL inlorm the Department for further action.
Requests for change c,f rlate are not generally entertained as
they reflect poorly upc,n the philatelic practices of the country
concerned.

iii) Proposal for the J'orrnal release function mr,rst be mooted

suf{iciently in advance of the scheduled date o1' release of the
stamp along with ,lraJ't minute to minute profJramme of the
proposed function, drarft invitation cards and dais plan. This is
necessary to enable ther Department to ensure the desired
uniformity/standard and protocol which is required to be
maintained in view of the Departmeni's officialinvolvement in
such functions.
 Hondbook on Philately tll
iv) The Deparlment s; representation at a release function
ler,'el of the
is decided keeping in view the level and status of the dignitary
who is to receive the first Altrum of the stamp to mark its formal
release.

In addition to the Presentati.n Album. the Department of posts

also contributes towards srch formal release function (s) by
providing (a) a blow-up of the stamp for display at the venue
of the release function (b) cleluxe albums for presentation to
the principal dignitaries at the function. and (c) one hundred
first day covers along with information brochures for distribution
among the distinguished invitees present on the occasion.

vi) Additionalalbums of stamps. iirst day covers. etc. can be obtained

by the organizers of formal release function on payment, for
which the exact requiremerrt must be communicated to the
Department or to the concerned Chief postmaster General well
in advance of the scheduled date of releaser. Throughout the
process of organizing tlie function. the concerned Chief
Postm.rster General may be 1<ept inf ormed and consulted.

vii) It is also customary for tlie Department to provide a special

stamp sale counter at the verrue of the function. on demand.

viii) It is the responsibility of ther organizers to ensure that all the

necessary arrangements for the function including printing and
issue of invitation cards. site preparation, security
arrangements. Iiaison with Press. T.V. etc. for publicity o{ the
events etc. have been made.

ix) Since tl-re stamp is simultanec,usly released in about 1200 outlets

across the country. no request for a change in the date of release
would normally be entertained once it has been fixed. The
brochures and cancellations carry the date of issue and
reprinting,/remanufacture and fresh distribution of these items
is an avoidable waste.

The or5;anizer of the release l'unction should compulsorily invite

the local Members of Parliament,/State l-eqislature to the

4l',
ll Hondbook on Philotelv

function and to ensLrre th,at their names find mrzntion in the

invitation card and proper seating arrangement ,are made for
MPs in accordance with the Warrant of Precedence. The
organizer will also ensure that the local members of the
Philatelic Advisory Comnrittee are invariably invited to the
function.
xi) No formal ."lnur" function for a stamp can be held without
specific prior approval frc>m the Departrnent of Posts. The
Department does n<>t take any responsibility {,rr extending
the usual support as indicated above. for the release function,
unless approval for tire function has been obtained in advance.

xii) In case of any dispute. tlifference of opinion etc. among

proponents. there will be no release function. Stamp sale will
begin across the counter on the scheduled date ,rf issue.

78.2 lnstructions to departmental officers/officials for

coordinating/organizing formal stamp release functions:
Note:These instruciions are only f or departmental fr-rnctionaries. They
supplement the existing guidelin'zs for formal stamp release functions
which are to be given to the prrtponents. All t{eads c,f Circles and
Regional PMsG may refeur to Directorate letter No.16-143/95-
Phil dated 30/70/2002 end 7 /11/2002 or obtain a copy thereof
from Philately Division.

79. Philatelic Assistance in ceremonial functions:

Postage stamps are somelimets used very liberally in lccal functions
by individuals and organizations. Often, it takes the form of
presentation of album containinl; stamps to various digr:Litaries on the
dais, in order to add ceremorrial value and authenticity to such
functions. Postage stamps are first and last valid legal receipt for
postage paid for availing ang, 5s.ri.. provided by the Department
of Posts. Collection of postage stamps has philatelir: importance
and in that respect also. the rnatter is of exclusive relevance for the
Department of Posts.

,1Q
 Handbook on Philotelg lll

Such liberar and unauthorized use of postage stamps by anyone or

any organization without obtaining prior approval of the Department
should be guarded against. Howrzver. there would be no objectron if
the organizers on their own ccm€ up with an album of stamps
purchased from the Department of Posts.

80. Periodical Report: A Monthly )Report on Philately Promotion and

Development has been prescrilted for submission to the postal
Directorate (Philately Section). In order to assess the revenue of
the Department from the sale of philatelic material such as
commemorative,/special stamps and definitive stamps (whenever
new stamps are issued), first day covers, new postal stationery
Ft ,\
Qvhenever introduce{. postal stationery wilh advertisement.
commemorative postal stationerv etc. the Circle Office willcompile
the data on each segment of the report from all the philatelic
bureaux and counters and forurard a consoiiclated statement to
Postal Directorate. New Delhi on the Sth of each morrth. in the
prescribed format at Annex X{iormat of sta+rnarfform Bureaux to
.
date. t{,^t^ ^ltl^l
'-
-
Q(,', $4tr"\r'
,. -
(a) PhilatelicQreau; and philatelic counters will maintain a register
in which th;twill note down sales of underrnentioned items:-

i) Postal stationery with advertisement (for rlesignated philatelic

bureaux at Bangalore, Chennai. Hyderabad, Kolkata,
Lucknow, Mumbaiand Sansad Marg. New Delhi only).
ii) New Postal stationery,/prostal stationery with nerv designs.
iii) Commemorative stamps of each issue separately.
iv) FDCs and Brochures of each issue.
v) Collectors' Packs
vr) Albums
vii) Greeting Cards
viii) Stamp Packets
ix) Thematic Packs

49
ll Hondbook on Philotely

x) Blow-ups
xt Miniature Sheets
xii) Souvenir Sheets
xiii) Philatelic items during exhibitions

(b) In addition to the above, the statistics in respect of the folrowing

should also be noted in the register separat,zly,-

i) Fee coliected for sltecial cover/canceJlaiion.

ii) Value of the stamp. FDC. brochures etc. supplies to other

Philatelic counters.

iii) Amount charged under IJCP for making supply of philatelic

items under Philatelic Deposit Scheme and also delivery of
philatelic products against payment deposited in advance.
iv) Amount of posta) staticnery and stamps cancelled with
special/slogan,/exhibition cancellations.

(c) Post Offices other than the philatelic bureaux authc,rized by the
Heads of the Ctrcles for sale of stamps, first day covers and
publicity folders will also maintain a register in which the sales
in respect of each starrp effe:cIed at such post offices are noted.
The monthly total of such reqister indicating separately the sales
in respect of each itent will be intimated to the Cirr:le office by
2nd ol the following nronrh directly the concerned office.
(d) Authorised offices which rerceive supply of comrrremoralive/
special postage stamp,s directly from the Stamp Depot will also
maintain the registers prezscribed for the philatelic bureau, in
respect of stamps only and will send the monthly sales statement
directly to the Circle Office <>n 2nd of each rnonth. The {ormat
of the statement is givern in hnnex
corrpct annex no-\i i;ti'
-/ - ,.. r

8o-2 Philatelic counters are functionirrg in each Head Post office other
than the philatelic bureau:<. These counters provide registration

50
 Flandbook on Philotely I I I

facility to open P.D. Accounts wit.r supply by the parent bureau. A

statement in respect of philatelic deposit account opened will be sent
to the parent philatelic bureau every quarter. Thiz parent philatelic
bureau will compile the figures of PD Accounts stancling at the attached
philatelic counters and will send the consolidatecl statement in the
prescribed format given in Arrne*rreFtto the Circle Office.
\-,4 e
81. New Postal Stationery with advertis"-"ft Xsued by the Department
of Posts will be sold through Bangalore. Cherrnai. Hyderabad.
Kolkata, Lucknow. N{umbai and Srrnsad Marg. New Delhi. philatelic
bureaux only on the day of release. These ilems can also be
supplied through Philatelic Deposit Account opened at these
designated philatelic bureaux. Domestic philatelic account holders
can obtain these rtems by placinq their demands with the bureau
where their respe,:tive deposit accounts stand.
42. Distance Learning Package: The Deparlment has been providing
'Distarnce Learning Philately' at its Postal Training (lentres and Postal
Staff College, of lr"dia. Ghaziabad The course is intended to equip
the Philately servtce personnel r.r'ith necessary }<nowledge of this
hobby, knowledge of the products,/service and with marketing skills.
The activities in the Distance Learning Course' broadly comprise
of Study material, Questionnaire and Project Work. Thre Course
formulated by the Postal Training Centre, Mysore is quite popular.
83. Compact Disk on Philately: Department has been providing
Ti-re
Compact Disks (CDs) on Philately'. These CDs give an orrerview of
Indian Philately - necessary knowledge of its hobby. knowledge of
the products/service like theme-rvise hst of stamps, their scanned
images etc. Kolkata GPO and Arrdhra Pradesh tlircle. Flyderabad
prepared the CDs' and the same are available as a saleable item in
all the Philatelic Elureaux of the c:ountry.
84. Bibliography: The followings are some standard re{erence books
on philately. which can be retained by philatelic bureaux,/counters:-

51
lll Hondbook on Philotelv

Name of the book Author

1. Stamp Collection for begrnner-. - by Rakesh Walia
2. Stamp Collecting - ManoharlalChowdhary
3. A Guide to Stamp Collection M.S. Bhaskaran Nair
Part I

4. Phil India - Manik Jain

5. Specialised Catalogue of
Modern L-idian Stamps - Dr. S.P. Gupta
6. How to Arrange and Write up - Stanley Phillip:; &
a Stamp Collection C.P. Rang
7. A Survey of Birds through
Philately A.V. Radha Krishnan
B. Sports - Dinesh Chandra Sharma -
published by
Institute of Philately
9. Mahatma Gandhi
(A Numismatic and
Philatelic Study) , Dr. S.K. Bhatt
10 The Stanrp of Truth (Mahatma ,-( ( ^ " !1n 4- [r-r.(
\F\-
Gandhi's Quotations\ek-'eted '-' 5 h€ '7t
bYjur"thDa}et)'* '
11" Priced Guide to
Philatelic Literature
12" An Introduction to
India used abroad - V.S. Dastur
13. The Philatelic Societies
Year Book (1953-54) - The British PhilAssociation
14. Philatelic articles published in
vernacular press (1994-7997) - written by Dinesh Mistry
15. India's Freedom Struggle
through lndia Postage Stanrp - Mr. V.S. Saksena
76. Who's Who on Indian Stamps - Sushma Suresh
77 . A Drive to Promote Phil;rtely
though Govt. Publication & Press - Dinesh Mistry

5,2
 CHAPTITR-IX
THE LAWS OF THE LAND

85. Sales Tax

The Sales Tax in India is ctrarged at two leve'ls, Local for sares
within a state and central for inter-state sares. The central sales
Tax is charged in addition to ther Local Sales T.ix.

sales Tax laws do not mention philatelic items spercifically. However,

these laws are applicable to all sales except those that are
specifically exerrrpted by a notice.

86. Import & Export

(a) Commodity Classification for Imports
The new B-digit commodity classification for imports was
adopted from April 1.2002.
4907 00 1(l Indian unlised postage, rrevenue or similar
stamps including stamp-impressed paper o{
current or new issue
9704 00 10 Postage or revenue stamlts. used or unused
9704 00 20 Stamp-post marks. first-day covers. used or
unused

9704 00 90 Postaf stal.ionery (stamperd paper), and the

like, used or unused
9704 00 90 Philatelic accessories

(b) Import
Import is free for stamps other than those covered under
heading '4907 00 10'
The import of items coverecl under'4907 CrO 10' is restricted.
Specific permit or liceme from the Director General of Foreign
Trade is required for import of items under this heading.

53
H^.4h.^L a- Ph;lat-l '

(c) Custom Tariff

There is also no Custorrr Duty on stamps other than those
covered under heading '4907 00 10 where it is charged at
the rate oI 25'/o of the facer value.

(d) Export
There are no restrictrons to exoort of stamps that are less
than 100 years old.

(e) The Antiquities & Art Treasures Act, 1972 (52 of 19721
The definition of Antiquity under this Act includers any coin,
sculpture. painting. epioraph or other worll of art or
craftsmanship: any article. object or thing detached from a
building or cave: an-r; arti<:le. object or thing illustrative of
science. art, crafts. literatr-rre. religion. customs, morals or
politics in bygone age:;r any article, object or thing of historical
interest: which has been irr existence for not less than one
hundred years. And any rnanuscript. record or otheur document
which is of scientific, historical. literary or aesthetic value and
which has been in existence for not less than seventyr five years.
The registration of antiqr.rities specified below is compulsory:-
Sculptures in stone, terracotta, metals, ivory, and bone,
paintings (including rrriniatr-rres and tanks) in all media (paper,
wood, cloth, silk. and tfre like), and manuscripts; containing
paintings, illustrations or illuminations (adornment qrith colored
lettering).

The Director General of the Archaeological Survery of India is

the authority competent tc> issue permit under Slection 3 of
the antiquities & Art F€*;itdAct for the export of any
antiquity and art treasurrz. t,.
\t
-'
.-. n !'!t
t\'(?
-

\ .\' {.' 'o

 londbook on Philatelv lll

ANNEX-I .,,: ti
- {w.e.f. 0I.02.2006) -)
Distribution of commemorative postage Stu-prr{rl
),' t'r"\
,|.6,
9
Name of the Bureau 4 Lakhs
\),i:'
!:-

a, I
- lr' '.vi
t
av'/
,\t'.-1
L\
r \'-
) .'
ll Handbook on Philarelv

umool 3360
Lucknow ---r6EO
Ludhlana 1680
Madurai -_T360
m;ato.e - 3360
Mumbal ..

1680
1
1
Nashik -1

iala 1

Patna 8400

Pl-i-
Dro| / 1680
1
Raipur
{\\
Sansad Marg. HPO. 15i
New Delhi
Shillong

l
Siliguri 3360
NSSUT

Trivandrum r3440
Udaipur. Shastri JJOU
Sub Pos: Office

Varanasi 1680

Visakhapatnam 1

Quota
Sr.
HPO. New Delhi
rector (Phi

AL(
s Saleable
111

11600
n
5€
 Hondbaok on Philotelg' lll

T?
x ,ol t-.
ZI
?.+ .:^
\c)
dz

€
o
a
{-f

+J ON?
(n qo
(,)
o
z
L
FI e

if
F

r\

li G
e) a
a
ot
()
tv
FI
z

9o
al
d,l a

..i
az

57
IT Handbook on Philately
l!./ I-r'
-'\' ':''' ' " -
ANNEX III
LrsT oF'HOS/GPOq FOR TIL\NS}'ER AFTER 6 NIONTHS
(Rule -15 Refers)
l. Assarn Cuu ahatr GPO-]3 I 001

2. Andhra Praclcsh Hvderubrd GPO--s()000 I

3. Bihar Patna GPO-t0000 I

4" (ihattisgarh Raipur FI0--19200 I

5. Delhi Sansad \lars H.O.- I 1000 I

6. Gujarat .\hnrcc.abad CPO-38000 I

7. llaryana Anrbal.r GPO-13-1001

8. flirnachal Pradesh Shirnla CPO- 1 31 001

!r. ICBPO CO -5(, APO

l0 Jar.nrnu & Kashrnir Canclh nagar HO- I 80001

11. Jharkhancl Ranchi GPO-|i3400 I

12. Karnataka Banciilore GPO-56000 1

13, Kerala Thimr ananthapurarn CPO-(r95()0 I

14. ivladhla Pradesh Bhopa GPO-.+62001

15. M aharashtra \lurnbri CPO-.100001

16. North Eastern Shillolg GPO-79-1001

17. Orisa Bhubanesh* ar GPO-7-i 1 ll0 I

r8. Punjab Arnritsar CPO-1,13001

19. Rajasthan Jaipur CPO-.-102{)0 I

20. Tamil Nadu Anna l(oacl H0-600002

21. lJttar Pradesh Luckn,lv CPO-12600 I

22. lJttarakhand Dehradun CPO-l-+8001

23. West Bengal Kolkrra CPO-7(t000 I

 Hondbook on Philately tll

ANNEX. IV
(Rule 65)

PHILATELIC DEPOSIT ACCOLINT

(APPLTCATTON)

PHILATELIC BUREAU

Pl:ase open a deposit Account in my name.

Full Name, Sh//Smt./Km .....

Acldress

Pin.

lvlrr' initial payment of

Rs.
(in figures)
*Rs.

(in words)
is rattached.
M,rde of payment
Paid at

Yours faithfully,

*(Minimum for initial .,.'..-'

and subsequent derposit is Rs.€00/-)
/'
r'1t. -
\''.
59
ll Hondbook on Philately

ORDER FORM
(ovERrEAF- OF ANNEX rV)
ITEM QUANTITY
1 (i) Mint Commemorative Stamtr>s
(ii) Mint Definitive Stamps
(iii) Top marginal block of 4
(iv) Bottom rnarginal block of 4
(v) Full sheet,/sheetlet
2. (t First Day Covers wiilL star:rp affixed and
cancelled
(ii) First Day' Covers - blank
3. (i) Information Brochures - vuith stamps affixed anc
cancelled
(ii) Information Brochure - blanh
4 (i) Annual collector's pack
(ii) Annual prack o{ Brochures & First Day covers
5. Postal Stationery (from seven desiglnarted bureaux only,
i.e.-Bangalore, Chennai. tJyderabad. Kolkata
l-ucknow. Mumbai. Sansad Marq New Delhi)
6. Miniature,/Souvenir Sheet

7. Any other item

Date: Signature of applicant

N.B.
1. Please keep sufficient balance in vour p.D. Accounr lest you may mrss
any issue or entire issues of ihe month to be dispatched in a single
dispatch.
2. Please note mail order service is for new issues onl1l.
3. Please specify the bureau. you choose. in the address porti,tn.

FOR OFFICE USE

A/C No. allotted:
Other particulars:

60
 Ilandbook on Philatelv f ll

.\NNEX \'
(Rule-65)
I,IST OF PHII,ATELIC BLRE.\UX IN INDI.\
\s o:l {33 ilo+, \ AJtl
yv

ASSAi\l CIRCLE. -3J Naepur-J.I0 00 l.

L Guuahati CPO -78 I 001 .
3 -r Nashik HO-112 l0l.
ANDHRA PR,\DESH CIRCLE. 36. PanajiHO-4O3 f()l.
2. H1-derabad HO - 51,0 001. ii. Pune HO--11 I 001 NORTII
3. Kurlool tlo - 5llt00l E.\STERN C|RCLE.
4. Vi.layarvada HO - 5:0 001 JL Aeafiala HO - 799 001.
5. Visakhirpatanam H() - 53 100 l. ,l(,. Aiza*l HO - 79rr00l
BIH'\R CIRCI.E -l{ . Imphal HO - 79i 001.
6. Muzal'falpur' 8.1201, I { I . Kohirna HO - 7()7 001.
1. Patna CPO - 800 001 +1. shillone Gpo - 793 001.
CHHATISGARH CIR(]LE OIRISSA CIRCLE.
U. Bilaspur ItO !19500 I. 1l. Bhubanesl,ar GF,O _ 75100I
9. Crvic Centre Bhilai--l90 006. J.l . (.uuack cpg - -53 001.
10. Jabalpur tlo - '182()01 p(:\.t..\B CIRC;LE.
I 1. Raipur Ho--192001
Ji. .{rnr.rtsar HO - l.+l 001
l2 Bhilai cclHo-'190006 -l(. . c'handisari Ho- 160 017
DET-HI CIR('LE.
r3 0{), ,t
Sa,rs,d Marg Ho.
1,1. Gujarat Circle-38000 I
,0 L
49
ill;liljl,lj ;31 ii?
patrata t_1700
iii
1 5. AhrneJrhirJ CPO-3S(, 001 .
1

_
16. Rajkot HO - 360 0ll R'\'l'\srlI'{N clRCl.E'
17. vrdotlara Ho - i90 00l 5(l Aj:rcr Ho - -105001
H1\R'AN,\ CIRCLE. l9. Jaipur GpO - -r02 00 I
5I jodhpur HO-3.1: 001.
I 8. Arnbala CpO_ l3l 00 I
HtNtACItAL .R..\DES' C'RCLE. 52 LJdaipur S Cilcle - 31300 I

19. 0,11.
Shinrla GpO-l71 T\I\IILNADU CIRCILE.
J1\l\tNIU & K.\SHN'R C'RCLE. 5i. Anna Road HO. Chennai - 600 002
20. Candhi Nagar HO - 180 011,1. 5l Cotmbatore HO-6'1 | 00 | '
JHARKHAND C;RCLE. 55. Ntadurai HO-62:,00t.
21. Jamshedpur HO - 831 g0l 56 Pondrcherry HO-605 001
IC\IIN.{TAKA CIRCLE. -5r Trruchrrappali HO - 620 001
22. Bangalorc CPO-560 00 I L-ITAIIAKHA\D CIRCLE
2 3 . Belgaurn HO - 59000 1 -5 8 Dehradun HO-2'18 00 1 ,

24. Mangakrre CPO-575 001 L fT'\R PR.\DESI{ (llRCLE

25. Mysolc HO - 570001. 59. Agra HO-282 0() L
KEI{ALI\ CIRCLE. 6ll. Allahabad HO- :t I I 001 .

26. Calicut HO -673 0(rl 6l . Kanpur HO-208 001.

27. Elnrkulam LIO -682 0li. 61. l-ucknow GPO-226 001.
28. Thiruvananthapuram GPO - 695001. 6-1 . \,ar:rnasi HO - 221 001.
29. Trissur HO- 68000 I \\EST BENG..\L CIFICLE.
NIADHYA PRADESH CIRCLE. 6-1. Kolkata GpO - "00 001.
30. Bhopal HO-162 001 65 Sitiguri 73-1001
3 I . Gwalior HO-171 0()l 66. port Blair - 7.1:l l0l
32. Indore HO-452 00t. .\I)DL D|RECTORA]fE OF,\pS
NfAHARASHI'RA CIRCLE. 61. l. CBPO. C O 5r1 ApO
J3. Munrbai GPO-.100 rl0l. 63 l. CBpO. C O 99 ApO

61
ll Hondbook on Philatelv

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lll Hondbook on Philatelt

ANNEX-VII
(Rule 66.3)
STATEMEI{T OF ACCOUNT
PHILATEI,IC BUREAU
Date of Particulars Amounr at Value of the item
despatch in
ofissues credit as despatched
the month per last
statement Qr.rantity Vaiue
dated..........
Starrps
FDCs (C)
FDCs (B)
Folders (C')
Collectors Pack
Annual packs
Postal Statronery
Miniature sheet
Souvenir sheet
Anv other items

Insurance Fee

(Rupees
) Grand Total
Now your account has a balance of Rs.

Postmaster
(Philatelic Bureau)
Sh/Smt / Km

N.B. : PLEASE KEEP SUF]]ICIENT BALANCE IN YOUR P.D.

ACCOUNT LI:ST YOU N,TAY N,IISS ANY ISSUE MOREOVER
ENTIRE ISSUES OF THE N{ONI-H TO BE DT]SPATCHED IN A
SINGLE DESPI\TCH
 Handbook c'n Philately lll

ANNEX - VIII

PHILATELIC
DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
ApprcATroN FORM (OVERSEAS Appt.lCANTS)

ACCOUNT NUMBERS
PHILATELIC BUREALI
GEI\ERAL POST OFFICE
MUMBAI-4OOOO1
INDIA

Please open a Dep,35i1 Account in my name (please print)

FUI-L NAlvlE: Mrz'Mrs/'Miss

ADDRESS

COUNTY

CODE

My initialpayment of Rs._--(in figures) Rs

(in words)

.is attached

(*Minimum for initial and subsequent deposit equivalent to Rs.1000 in

India. overseas rernittarrce should be forwarded by Intcrnational Money
ordrzr, British Postal ordtzr, Bank Draft or certified cheque on one of the
spe,:ified Banks).

Signature

65
ll Hondbook on Philotetg

ORDER FORM

(OVERLEAF OF ANNEUXRE vilr)

1. (i) Mint Cornmemorative Stamps

(ii) Mint Definitive Stamps
(iii) Top marginal block of 4
(iv) Bottom marginal of blocl.. of 4
(v) Full sheet,/sheerlet
(i) First Day Covers with st,arlp affixed and
cancellec
(ii) First Day Covers - blank
3. {i) Information Brochure - with r;ramps affixed and
cancelled
(ii) Information Brochure -- trlank
4. (i) Annual collector's pack
(ii) Annual pack Brochures &: First Day Covers
Postal Stationery (from severr designated bureaux
only i.e. Lucknow. Bangalore. Cher:nai. Hyderabad.
-
Kolkata, Mumbai, Sansad Mar,r N{?tv Delhi)
6. Miniature,/Souvenir sheet
7. Any other item

Date: Signature of applicant

N.B.
1. Please keep sufiicient balance in g'our p.D. Account lest you miss any
issue or entire issues of the mor-rth to be dispatched in a single dispatch.
2. Please note mail order service is for new issues only.
3. Please specify the bureau you choose in the address portion.
FOR OFFICE USE
A/C No. allotted:

Other particulars:

66
 \ ;1 \N\"
tt' -
''\ 1'').1;-". Hanclbool: on philotelv ttl
\\-\ !'f i
v'r<I",''
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ANNEX-IX '
REQUEST FOR rSSUE OF COtilIlE\rOR.\Tt\ E STAlrp
l.)
Narne of Proposcd Stamp : ..I" !t Detaiis of thc prroponcnt:
, \,I'''
categor.v of stanrp: i' a Name of tf e proponent
f,. lvl ()ll ulnelll: . ir. Aclciress of the propoltellt
b, lnstitution: c t-it1
c. Event: d. State
d Personalitr,: c PIN codc
e. Othcrs t. Telephone
g. Fax \umbe r
Whether a stamp or Special Covcr has h ernail id:
already been brought out ()n this sub-
ject? l0 Release cletails desirccl:
a. proposecl date ot'rclease (Please
If. '.Yes". please Jrrovidr: the details trf lir e '3 optirns)
release b. Location ol'releasc
I I Enclosures ncecled :

Ii Monumcnt: a \\'rjtten brief (700- I 000 *'ords)-

a. Name of thc lvlonu'ent Anncxurc,/\
b. Location: b. Source ofclata ancl authcntica-
c. Occasion (nr-rmber of vears rentr- tion - Annexure B
'"'atiirnilaunching) c \''isuals-phctos, dra\\'ings etc -
d. Cuslodian of the monur.nent Annerure (l
d Soti copy' ICD DVD)
I f lnstitution: - Annexure D
a. Name of the institution: (luidelines
b. Narure 6fthc institution Proposal to be reccivcd by Philatcly
c. Whethcr this is a parent or DiYision of De pt. of Posts at least 18
umbrella institutiorr Inonths ahcad ,lf the proposed clate of
d. Location rclcase
e. occasion (Number of years) .l Second colnlnemorative stalnp $ ill not
be issued on the sarnc issue '' cvent i
lf Evcnt: occasion i pers;onality.
a. Nature of event: .l Deltnce relatr:d subje cts should be
b. Duration of the eyent: routed through AcldlDG Army Postal
c. Date ofinauguratic,n and Selvice.
valediction '1 Application w'ill be taken up tbr con-
d. Participation level and quantity sideration onl'r if all the intbrrnation
rs contplete.
If Personality : .i Decision of th,: Dept. of Posts rvill be
a. Name of the Personality tlnal
b. Achievernenr of the personality ri Date u'ill be llred on the basis of sig-
c. Date of birth of the personalitv nillcance of ttre proposal and ' or as
cl. Date of death of the personality' per the annual printing calendar.
e. Location to ,vhich the personal- 7 Dates once tixccl sliall not be changed"
ity belonged

67
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