The Yogi Adityanath government is set to enhance the security of e-stamp papers in Uttar Pradesh, with the Stamps and Registration department ready to roll out new, more secure e-stamp papers.

This initiative aims to completely eliminate the risk of fake stamps and address issues related to the black market.

The department has completed preparations and plans to offer personalised e-stamp papers of smaller value, which can be obtained through online verification of Aadhaar cards. Initially, this will be implemented for e-stamps worth less than Rs 100, following the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

To ensure the security of the new e-stamp format, nine special security features have been incorporated. These features include a 1-D barcode, static line, SD amount, static SD amount, text thread, ASYM certificate ID, buyer’s name, single layer logo, text thread date, text ribbon, and BG. These measures are designed to make it impossible to create fake stamps.

The move is particularly significant as small value stamps are frequently used for affidavits, various government schemes, school and college admissions, employment services, and public grievances. Notably, printing a Rs 10 stamp paper costs approximately Rs 16, including transportation from the Kanpur depot.

According to the 2023-24 data, over 47 lakh e-stamps of more than Rs 100 value were issued, compared to over 2.56 crore e-stamp papers worth less than Rs 100. This high demand for smaller value stamps has often led to artificial shortages and black market activities due to lower proportional commissions.

“The new secure e-stamps aim to alleviate such risks, ensuring better accessibility and security for the people of Uttar Pradesh,” a government spokesman said.