Lack of stamp paper: Temporary appointment of more revenue officers to revalue old stamp papers; report sought

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Human Rights Commission Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas has sought an explanation from the government on the demand for the temporary appointment of more revenue officers with powers to revalue old stamp papers to address the shortage of non-judicial stamp papers for small amounts.

According to the complaint, there is a shortage of stamp papers of 100, 200 and 500 rupees that are required for rent agreement, chitty, consent papers etc. The complainant said that although the crisis can be solved by revaluing the old stamp papers of Rs 5, 10 and 20 rupees which are stuck at the Central Stamp Depot, there is a shortage of revenue officers required for this purpose. The complaint says that due to the non-availability of stamp papers of small amounts, the demanders are forced to buy Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000 stamp papers.
The Commission asked the Revenue Secretary, Taxation Secretary, Treasury Director and Registration IG to submit their report within one month. Action was taken on the complaint filed by Anayara RK Jayan.