Stamp papers sold in black market in Rohtas

Kumar Rajiv Nayan

Bikramganj (Rohtas) : Stamp papers are being sold in black market with impunity at high rate causing a huge loss to the state exchequer. The Notary officials also overlook  the government guidelines in making affidavits of papers and documents.

The then joint secretary, Bihar government, Ujjwal Kumar, in a communication to the District and Session Judges, IG, Registration and all the District Magistrates of Bihar in 2014, had told them that stamp of Rs. 105 would be used in place of Rs. 20 or Rs. 25 in the affidavit of which Rs. 5 would be credited to Advocate Welfare Fund.  But the Notary officials still use  stamps of Rs. 20 or Rs. 25 even today in the affidavit forms and such affidavits are accepted by all the government and non-government offices and officials endorse such affidavits. A glaring example is an affidavit submitted by a woman of  Bhanupur under Dinara block on February 22, 2016. She had submitted affidavit with stamp of Rs. 20. The affidavit was endorsed by a Notary of  Bikramganj in Rohtas district  for KCC loan.

Besides, fake or previously used stamps are also being used and the stamp vendors realize exorbitant prices for the stamps saying that the stamps of desired value were not available. The hapless students and unemployed youths are forced to buy stamps at high prices.

Rajesh Kumar of Askamini area said more than Rs. 200 is realized for an affidavit but stamp of Rs. 20 or Rs. 25 is being  fixed on it. Advocate Madan Singh said use of fake or once used stamps are also in vogue these days. He said several complaints were made to the officials concerned but to no avail so far. Rohtas DM Animesh Kumar Parashar said direction had been issued for using stamps of correct value only on the affidavits and stern action would be taken if anyone was found violating this order.