Chandigarh, June 1
To bring efficiency and check the pilferage of state revenue, the Punjab government on Wednesday abolished the physical stamp papers.
Stamp papers of any denomination could now be obtained via e-stamp i.e., computerised print-outs from any stamp vendor or from banks authorised by the state government.
Punjab Revenue Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa said that earlier, the e-stamping facility was applicable only to a value above Rs 20,000.
“We are extending this facility to stamp papers for all denominations starting from Re 1,” he said.
He said that the decision will save at least Rs 35 crore annually spent on printing of stamp papers, besides facilitating the common public to obtain them in a hassle-free manner.
Jimpa said the general public had to face difficulty in getting the stamp papers or purchase them at higher prices.
He said a notification has been issued for the implementation of the e-stamp system.
The cabinet minister said the Punjab government would pay a commission of 2 per cent to the stamp vendors on e-stamps ranging from Re 1 to Rs 19,999, while the general public would get stamp papers at the actual rate.
The department launched five additional e-facilities including loan/hypothecation agreement, agreement of pledge, affidavit and declaration, demand promissory note and indemnity bond. These documents could be issued through the computer directly.
Revenue department secretary Manvesh Singh Sidhu said the facility has been started with the help of National e-Governance Services Ltd (NeSL).
The people would no longer need to go anywhere and could avail the facilities in banks.
Punjab govt launches e-stamping facility; abolishes physical stamp papers of all denominations
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