<P> The volume of mail moved by the postal system increased relentlessly, doubling between 1854 and 1866, then doubling again by 1871 . The Post Office Act XIV introduced reforms by 1 May 1866 to correct some of the more apparent postal system deficiencies and abuses . Postal service efficiencies also were introduced . In 1863 new lower rates were set for "steamer" mail to Europe at 6 annas 8 pies for a 1 / 2 ounce letter . Lower rates were introduced for inland mail, as well . </P> <P> New regulations removed the special postal privileges which had been enjoyed by officials of the East India Company . Stamps for official use were prepared and carefully accounted for to combat the abuse of privileges by officials . In 1854 Spain had printed special stamps for official communications, but in 1866 India was the first country to adopt the simple expedient of overprinting' Service' on postage stamps and' Service Postage' on revenue stamps . This innovation became widely adopted by other countries in later years . </P> <P> Shortages developed, so these stamps also had to be improvised . Some of the "Service Postage" overprinted rarities of this year resulted from the sudden changes in postal regulations . New designs for the 4 annas and "6 annas 8 pies" stamps were issued in 1866 . Nevertheless, there was a shortage of stamps to meet the new rates . Provisional six annas stamps were improvised by cutting the tops and bottoms from a current Foreign Bill revenue stamp, and overprinting "POSTAGE". </P> <P> Another four new designs appeared, one at a time, between 1874 and 1876 . </P>

Who was the first living indian to feature of postage stamp of india