GHMC polls: Acute shortage of Rs 100 non judicial stamp papers in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: There is an acute shortage of Rs 100 stamp papers as the demand for that particular denomination of non-judicial stamp papers has suddenly shot up due to the GHMC polls. A black market has sprung up for the valuable papers.

Candidates need Rs 100 stamp papers to make affidavits while filing their nomination papers for the polls.

Many vendors were not aware of the demand for stamp papers during the election, which was announced suddenly, resulting in many of them being unable to procure stock.

However, some vendors realised that there would be a demand as the GHMC polls were due, took advantage of the situation and hoarded the stamp papers. They are now selling it at higher rates.

Party workers were seen frantically looking for Rs 100 stamp papers for the last two days. A few vendors charged inflated rates ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 for the Rs 100 papers. These were purchased despite the cost because of the urgency of the matter. The last date for filing nomination papers is February 21.