Fri Jun 27 13:26:43 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text:

**Headline: Kerala Treasury Scandal: ₹3.6 Lakh in Stamps Missing, Officials Implicated in Negligence**

**IDUKKI, June 27, 2025** – A State Finance Inspection wing report has revealed significant financial irregularities within Kerala’s Treasury Department, following an investigation into missing special adhesive stamps valued at ₹3.6 lakh in Idukki district.

The issue first surfaced in August 2018 when 7,200 stamps vanished from the Kattappana sub-treasury, which received its stock from the Nedumkandam district stamp depot. An initial internal investigation proved inconclusive, prompting a more in-depth probe by the State Finance Inspection wing.

The investigation concluded that the stamps disappeared due to negligence by treasury officials. The report stated that the lapses resulted in a substantial financial loss to the government. While two of the three officials implicated have each repaid ₹90,000, K.C. Gopakumar, the junior superintendent of the Kattappana sub-treasury, has reportedly refused to reimburse his share. The report urges the government to take immediate action to recover the outstanding amount.

Furthermore, the report uncovered systemic failures within the treasury department. District treasury officers allegedly disregarded established storage limits for stamps, violating Treasury Code Rule 154, with the tacit approval of the State treasury director. Investigators also found that proper verification and record-keeping procedures were routinely ignored when stamps were received from the Central stamp depot.

The report also highlights a dangerous practice of inadequate handover of crucial records during officer transfers or retirements. This negligence, according to the report, increases the risk of losing valuable items from the treasuries.

To prevent future incidents, the report recommends strict enforcement of storage limits for stamps at all sub-treasuries. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of meticulous verification and documentation of stamp deliveries.

Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has reportedly approved the report and endorsed the implementation of its recommendations, signaling a commitment to address the identified deficiencies and prevent future financial malpractices within the state’s treasury system.

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