As the Maharashtra government grapples with the fake stamp paper scam, West Bengal prepares to replace the system with computerised transactions. The Left Front government is ready and awaiting Presidential approval. ‘‘The measure is aimed at stopping subversion of revenue generated from property transactions. It is part of a larger urban reform programme that we’ve been asking states to take up. But most are either lethargic or complacent,’’ said a senior Urban Development Ministry official. As a fallout, treasury and sub-treasury offices will be computerised; electronic franking will replace revenue and stamp papers. The franking machines will be placed with gazetted officials and will reduce chances of misuse and manipulation by middlemen. The reform plan also takes care of the 1,200-odd stamp paper vendors affected by the move. The government is working out a relief package for them. Though the impact of the Telgi scam has not really been felt by the West Bengal government, but say officials: ‘‘Even the CBI can’t see the difference between fake and genuine paper. How will common man, institutions know?
