India Post Guidelines for release of Commemorative Postage Stamps & Special Covers

• Rules for issue of Commemorative Postage Stamps: Download Rules ** New Updated
  
  
• Proforma for issue of Commemorative Stamps & Guidelines for Release Function: Download Proforma
  Duly filled form may be sent to The Deputy Director General (Philately), Department of Posts, Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg, New Delhi - 110 001 for proposal of Commemorative Stamp.
  
  
• Notification regarding First Day Cancellations:
  Philately Division of India Post has decided to extend the availability of First Day Cancellation from 4 weeks to 8 weeks with effect from 1st April 2014. This change has been notified vide Postal Directorate Office Memorandum, F. No. 38-1/2014-Phil, dated 14.03.2014 issued by Director, Philately. Instructions mentioned in Philatelic Handbook related to first day cancellation are modified in accordance with this order.
  Download Office Memorandum
  
  
• Special Covers / Cancellations:
  An event which is not nationally important enough to be commemorated by issue of a Commemorative/Special stamp or for which a stamp cannot be accommodated in the annual issue programme may be commemorated by the Department by issue of Special Covers which can be cancelled with a special cancellation at the post office selected for the purpose. Such covers can also be issued at the instance of private parties on payment of requisite charges. These covers should bear minimum postage stamps of any kind equivalent to the minimum inland letter mail rate. Heads of Circles are the Competent Authority to sanction Special Covers commemorating any event/institution/inaugural flight under their jurisdiction. They also coordinate its release.
  
  
• Rates for Special Cancellations:
  
  

  Departmental fees	Rates for the Special Cancellation / Cover
  	Per day per Post Office in INR	Per day if it is at proponent's premises in INR
  On working days	12,500/-	25,000/-
  On Sundays/holidays	25,000/-	50,000/-

  Note: The new rates with effect from 11/05/2016
  Source: No. 35-20/2010-Phil (Part), 11.05.2016
  
  
• Proforma of Special Cancellation/Cover Proposal: Download Proforma
  Proposal letter may be sent to The Cheif Postmaster General of the respective Postal Circle.
  
  
• Philatelic Deposit Accounts can be opened Philatelic Bureaux: Download Account Opening Form
  
  
• India Post Contact Information :
  Director (Philately),
  Department of Posts
  Dak Bhavan, Sansad Marg,
  New Delhi - 110 001
  Phone. +91-11-23096020