NOW, POSTAL STAMP PERSONALISED !

Want to surprise your friend by sending a letter with their photograph on the postal stamp! It's possible now, thanks to the Indian Postal Department.

'My Stamp', a popular concept of Indian Postal Department -- that will let you get a personalized stamp with your photograph on it -- was introduced by Bihar Postal Circle on Monday.

People can now choose thematic postal stamp sheets and personalize them with their photograph or that of their friends. This personalized stamp will have two parts - the currency part and the photograph detachable from each other. The registration cost for 'My stamp' is Rs 100 and the cost of a set of stamp (postal stamp along with your photograph) would cost an additional sum ranging between Rs 20 and Rs 25.

Registration for 'My Stamp' has already started from Monday at the Patna GPO. "We have already received more than 150 registrations on the first day," postal department marketing director Anil Kumar told TOI. Though the registration has already started but these stamps would be available only after the first week of Feburary, he said.

"The scheme is currently applicable to individuals only. Companies can't use this facility now. However, if the experiment is successful, the scheme may be opened for them, too," added Kumar.

To get 'My Stamp' customer can either bring their best photograph or they can get their photograph clicked at the GPO itself. No ID-proof is required for this.

Kumar said 'My Stamp' was basically a personalized stamp. He said it was a wonderful way to celebrate special occasions such as engagements, birth of a baby or to send as greetings to loved ones and friends during Valentine's day.

The scheme has been initially introduced only at Patna GPO. Depending on the demand it can be extended to Muzaffarpur and, subsequently, to all district headquarters.

Meanwhile, the postal department is also organizing a three-day "Bihar Stamp Expo-2012" from January 10 where over 50,000 stamps would be put on display.