India is set to transform the way addresses are used and verified with DHRUVA (Digital Hub for Reference and Unique Virtual Address), a new initiative proposed by the Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications. Designed as part of India’s expanding digital public infrastructure, DHRUVA aims to create a standardised, secure and interoperable digital addressing ecosystem for citizens, businesses and government services.
At its core, DHRUVA introduces Address as a Service (AaaS) – a system that converts traditional physical addresses into validated Digital Address Identifiers (DAIs). These digital identifiers will support smoother delivery of services across logistics, e-commerce, finance, governance and welfare schemes by improving accuracy and reducing address-related errors.
To implement this system, the Department of Posts has proposed amendments to the Post Office Act, 2023, providing a legal foundation for creating and managing digital addresses. The amendments cover key components such as generation and validation of DAIs, the role of Address Service Providers, Address Validation Agencies and the responsibilities of a central Network Administrator to ensure interoperability and standards.
The framework is built on consent-based usage, ensuring privacy, data security and clear redress mechanisms for users. The government has released an explanatory note and opened the proposal for public consultation, inviting feedback from citizens, industry bodies and other stakeholders through the Department of Posts portal.
DHRuVA marks a major step toward a future where digital addresses streamline service delivery and strengthen India’s digital governance landscape.
