Document registration: E-stamps to replace stamp papers in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant move, the government has introduced e-stamping instead of stamp papers for all document registrations across the state. All registration, including transactions for obtaining land deeds, can be done through e-stamping. It is learned that e-stamping will be available from March onwards. However, the government will not completely phase out stamps papers. 

Currently, e-stamping is mandatory for transactions of more than Rs 1 lakh. This facility is now available for small transactions as well. 

Advantages of E-stamping:
 

• To prevent fraud in the name of stamp duty
• Users can avoid buying high denomination stamp paper due to scarcity of low denomination stamps
• Economic benefits to the government
• Reduce the cost of paying commission charges in the name of stamp papers

Meanwhile, the fingerprint and the customer's photo will be digitally recorded. The biometric scan will replace the traditional inked thumb impression during the registration of asset documents. The equipment for this will be available at the offices of the Sub-Registrar.

The photos of the seller and the buyer will be digitally imprinted in the asset documents. The current practice is to affix a passport size photo. E-stamping would reduce the risk of details and photos in documents getting worn out over time. The method has also been successfully implemented in Karnataka and elsewhere. 

Additionally, copies of previous land deeds can also be retrieved online.

With the new initiative, the scarcity of stamp papers will no longer be an issue. Obtaining all the required documents, such as copies of land deeds, liability certificates and tenancy certificates, will become easier.