Stamp paper shortage; e-stamping will be delayed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government's decision to stop buying stamp papers from the Nashik press, before the completion of the e-stamping experiment for title deed registration up to Rs.1 lakh, has become a setback. The Central Stamp Depot in Thiruvananthapuram has only Rs 20 and Rs 5 stamp papers. Stamp papers for other amounts are out of stock.

The process of e-stamping for transactions other than title deeds has not reached anywhere. 50 and 100 rupees stamp papers are the most demanded by the people. These are required for bonds, tenancy agreements and affidavits. A stamp paper of Rs 500 will be sufficient for a rental agreement of a large amount. Attempts to resolve the crisis by increasing the value (revalidate)of Rs 5 and Rs 20 stamp papers did not work well. This is because the Central Stamp Depo has only three officers. Revalidation is permitted at all 12 district stamp depots except Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod. This has to be done in between the other duties of the Stamp Depo Officer. The solution is to switch completely to e-stamps.

E-stamping

The e-stamping experiment was first conducted in Murukumpuzha sub-registrar office limits and saw success. Training was started for 14 vendors in 14 districts. Their evaluation will be held tomorrow at the Treasury Directorate in Pattom. The vendors' association assured that they would later train other vendors. If successful, it will be done state-wise.

1500 vendors

There are around 1500 licensed vendors in the state. Title deeds are prepared through the Pearl Portal of Registration Department. Vendors will log into the treasury account and enter the e-stamp. E-stamping is in place for registrations above 1 lakh.

Stock of stamp papers

20 rupee stamp papers: 19 Lakhs

5 rupee stamp papers: 1,63,000

People are sure to be struggling in the coming days. In the current situation, e-stamping will be implemented only by September. The central stamp depot has 19 lakh 20 rupee and 1,63,000 5 rupee stamp papers in stock.