E-Stamp : The Revenue Department, which is set to completely digitize (paperless) the registration process in the state, has implemented the Digital E-Stamp (DES) system as a complementary step. Now, the ‘e-stamp’ space used for registration and non-registration printed paper transactions will be filled by ‘digital e-stamp’.
While one objective of the new system is to plug the security loopholes in the current system, another objective is to prevent losses to the government exchequer due to e-stamp fraud. Another reason behind this effort is to allow people to buy stamps from the comfort of their homes, no matter where they are in the world.
“This system has been successfully implemented and henceforth digital e-stamps will be mandatory across the state,” said Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
From printing paper to DES
Earlier, stamp papers were used for registration. These papers were printed at the India Security Press in Nashik, Maharashtra. Licensed stamp dealers used to provide these stamps to the citizens. In 2000, the fake stamp paper scam came to light. Karim Lal Telgi, who was behind this scam worth ₹32,000 crore, was arrested in 2001. Even after that, stamp paper was in use for a few months. The state government issued an order to stop the use of stamp paper with effect from April 1, 2003.
After that, a system was implemented where the details of the document were written on a document sheet of Rs 2 or a blank sheet and the stamp duty was paid at the Sub-Registrar’s office of the respective jurisdiction or at authorized banks.
The Revenue Department introduced the e-stamp system on a pilot basis in the state in 2008. It was expanded across the state in 2009. The department had claimed at the time that this was a significant step towards increasing security and transparency.
The responsibility of distributing e-stamps across the state was given to the Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL).
Fraud in e-stamps too:
The e-stamp system, which was touted as more secure and transparent, also had flaws.
There were reports of e-stamp certificates being photocopied or made to look like copies. It was also noted that e-stamps purchased for one purpose were being used for a different type of document.
Incidents of people evading payment of stamp duty and defrauding the department through such acts have taken place across the state. This has caused losses to the state treasury. Keeping all this in mind, the digital e-stamp system has been implemented, said Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
Features, benefits
- Citizens can get a digital e-stamp themselves without the help of intermediaries. This service is available 24×7. They can apply online and get this stamp from anywhere in the world. All they need is an internet connection on their computer.
- This service is completely digital, so payments can be made securely online.
- Citizens will be required to digitally sign documents using Aadhaar-based e-signature or Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Thus, the entire process is secure.
- Since the entire process is done online, it is not possible to copy the stamp. The system will be more transparent. Fee fraud will also be curbed. The fee will be deposited directly into the government treasury.
- The digital stamp details will be automatically entered into the registration system. This is in line with the paperless registration system that the Revenue Department intends to introduce.
- The department’s revenue will also increase as stamp misclassification and fraud will be curbed.
- Since this stamp is an important part of the document, no changes can be made to it without the notice of the signatory.
- Documents stored digitally are legally binding. Hence, there is no need for a physical copy.
How to get a digital stamp?Digital e-stamps can be obtained through the Cauvery portal (https://kaveri.karnataka.gov.in/). For this, registration has to be done on the portal. The Department of Registration and Stamps has explained the procedure for obtaining digital e-stamps on its YouTube channel.
- If you have already registered on the portal, there is no need to do it again. You can directly login to the portal.
- After logging in, if you click on the link ‘Start New Application’, a list of various services will be displayed. In it, you should click on the digital ‘E-Stamp’ option.
- There are seven steps to complete to download the stamp.
- In the first step, you need to select the document type (e.g., there are 60 types such as rental agreement, affidavit, sale agreement, etc.) and sub-types. Then, you need to fill in the details.
- Applicants and all signatories must verify their identity through Aadhaar-based verification.
- (If there are property related documents, this system will automatically check the property information recorded in the government database)
- After calculating the stamp duty, payment should be made through the Treasury Payment Gateway.
- Once the fee payment is confirmed, the portal generates a digital e-stamp which contains a unique serial number, QR code, and digital watermark.
- Those signing documents will receive an e-signature link on their mobile. They will have to sign it using Aadhaar e-signature or digital signature certificate.
- After everyone signs, you will receive a final digital e-stamp. This can be downloaded and used for registration.
