areas like painting, literature, science, music, social upliftment, etc., have also been portrayed on
commemorative stamps.
In keeping with their dual character as a ‘Token of Postage’ and as ‘Cultural Ambassador’,
there are two categories of stamps viz., definitive and commemorative postage stamps. The
definitive postage stamps are meant for day-to-day use as a token of payment of postage on mail
articles. These incorporate less complicated design inputs, entailing minimum expenditure in
their manufacture, and are printed in large quantities, over longer periods. On the other hand the
commemorative postage stamps are designed and printed with greater aesthetic inputs. These are
manufactured in limited quantities and generate great interest among philatelists and collectors.
The philatelic activities of the Department include: designing, printing, distribution and sale
of commemorative postage stamps through philatelic bureaux and counters, e-post office, etc.,
designing, printing and distribution of definitive postage stamps and items of postal stationery
like envelopes, Inland letter card, postcard, aerogram, registered cover, etc., promotion of
philately and conduct and monitoring of Philatelic exhibitions; maintenance of the National
Philatelic Museum, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi.
Release of Stamps
A total of 50 issues were released during April, 2017 to March, 2018 commemorating
various personalities, events/ occasions. Some of the significant commemorations were —Caves
of Meghalaya, Vulnerable Birds, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Indian Cuisine, Nest Stepwells, Hand
Fans, Solar System, Headgears of India, Champaran Satyagraha Centenary. Ramayana Stamps
were released simultaneously in 40 countries through Indian Missions abroad.
My Stamps
My Stamps are personalized sheets of postage stamps of India Post. Personalization is
achieved by printing a thumb nail photograph image of the customer and logos of institutions, or
images of artwork, heritage buildings, famous tourist places, historical cities, wildlife, other
animals and birds, etc., alongside the selected commemorative postage stamp.
Personalized My Stamp
Personalized My Stamp is a personalized sheet of postage stamps. Alongside these
personalized theme stamps, the customers may opt for printing of their own, parents, family, etc.,
pictures to be printed. Some of the themes of personalized My Stamps are Taj Mahal, Hawa
Mahal, Mysore Palace, Indian Army, rose, happy anniversary, Vaishno Devi.
Customized My Stamps
Customized My Stamps is a personalized sheet of postage stamps wherein corporates
organizations and institutions can get customized sheets printed from India Post. Alongside these
customized themed stamps, the organizations may opt for printing of their logo, images of their
organisation/institute printed.
Training Activities
Department of Posts has framed the Postal Training Policy, 2012 in conformity with the
National Training Policy, 2012 of Government of India. The key objective of this Policy is
“Training for All”. Training programmes are available at the entry level (induction training) and