From 15 Nov 1971 to 31 Mar 1973 the Indian Government levied a 5 paise surcharge on all mails (except post-cards, newspapers, articles for blinds, items posted in FPO and state of J&K), Money Orders, First Day Covers and Telegrams for the relief of refugees from former East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). In order to make the Postal Tax stamps immediately available throughout India, the post-masters were authorised to overprint existing definitives stamps locally.