Date:25/04/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/04/25/stories/2005042501431300.htm

Back AP plans stamp franking machines in all districts

Our Bureau

Hyderabad , April 24

THE State Ministry of Revenue and Rehabilitation has decided to install 15 stamp franking machines in District Registrar offices that are witnessing heavy demand for stamps.

The move is aimed at providing more convenience to the public using the Registration and Stamps Department's services.

According to an official release, the Government proposes to extend the services of franking machines in all District Registrar offices in phases and also install the machines in some important sub-Registrar offices.

The Government has also authorised banks, insurance companies and private organisations to use the franking machines for their needs.

To serve the needs of advocates and public, a stamp counter has already been opened in the premises of Andhra Pradesh High Court.

The State Secretariat has also opened a stamp counter in its premises for the public.

Currently, 387 sub-Registrar offices are functioning in the State, of which nearly 130 have stamp counters and sell all types of stamps to the public.The stamp counters offer court fee stamps, revenue stamps, non-judicial stamp papers worth Rs 10, and impression of value of stamp duty up to worth Rs 100 through franking machines.

Inaugurating the stamp counter at the State Secretariat, the Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation, Mr Dharmana Prasada Rao, said that the Registration and Stamps Department has been a major revenue earner, achieving Rs 1,890 crore of revenue for 2004-05 against the target of Rs 1,800 crore.