M. Hari Prasada Sarma, an postal employee,
displaying 'My Stamp' at the Head Post Office in Vijayawada.

‘My Stamp’ facility of the Department of Posts (DoP) seems to be serving as a good gifting option for many. Ever since the DoP launched the service, wherein one can get one’s photograph embedded on the postage stamp, the initiative appears to be a big hit.

Many people utilise the service to gift personalised stamps to friends and relatives on special occasions such as birthdays, marriage anniversaries and retirement.

“Every day, we get about six applications for My Stamps. In April and May, when many marriages were performed, nearly 600 applications were filed,” says M. Sampath, Postmaster General, Vijayawada Region.

Unique initiative

“It is a commendable initiative from the department. People, who wish to get personalised My Stamps need to submit applications at any post or the Head Post Office along with passport photographs.

On payment of Rs. 300, customers will be given 12 personalised stamps in a sheet and each stamp would be worth of Rs. 5. The stamps will be delivered within minutes and they can be used for postal correspondence also,” Mr. Sampath adds.

With an aim to popularise the service, the authorities are conducting a mobile campaign in a My Stamp dispensing van, targeting schools from July 1 to 23. The authorities will be visiting various schools in the city in a van, which will be equipped with printers to supply stamps immediately, he says.

Special discounts

Schoolchildren can select a stamp theme and get personalised stamps along with their photographs. Special discounts will also be offered. This apart, a philately expo is being organised in the city after seven years from July 24 to 26 at Vedika Kalyana Mandapam at Benz Circle, he adds.