THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though e-stamping has been introduced in full scale for registrations including title deeds, people are suffering as it is not being implemented properly. Printed stamp papers starting from Rs 10 are currently approved but are not available. Students who have been admitted to various courses are scrambling for a stamp paper of Rs 200 to issue bonds. Those who have to write rent contracts are also in crisis.

The main problem is the reluctance of vendors to the e-stamping system. They are opposing the condition that printing charges should not be charged for e-stamps up to Rs 500. They are also not satisfied with the commission amount. Another reason is the technical issues in the e-stamping stamp paper. Many vendors are completing registration in the old way.

Vendor commission is 4.5 per cent for stamp paper with a face value of up to Rs 1,000. 2.5 per cent up to Rs 10,000 and 2 per cent up to Rs 1 lakh.

If one enters the portal of the Registration Department, Pearl, and enter the title deed details and the details required for the registration, one will get the pay slip for the e-stamping amount as per the fair price of the property. If the information in this slip is uploaded, they can take a printout of the colour e-stamp with the required information recorded. On the computer, the e-stamp is seen in colour but the printout is available in black and white. This technical problem also needs to be resolved.

Shortage of stamp paper

The government's failure to place an order for stamp papers in the wake of the implementation of complete e-stamping is also creating a crisis. Around 5.5 lakh stamp papers of Rs 50 denomination were brought from Nashik to the Central Stamp Depot the other day but were not sent to the treasuries. While stamp papers for a lower amount can be issued by adding value, only two or three officers are empowered to do so.

Slow revenue

Though the revenue of the registration department has gone up, the speed of revenue has slowed down as compared to the previous financial year. While the revenue was 93.61 per cent of the target till October last fiscal, it is standing at 88.84 per cent in the corresponding period of the current fiscal.

Revenue up to October: Rs 3055.85 crore

Stamp duty: Rs 2248.95 crore

Registration fee: Rs 806.90 crore