The Telgi Effect: E-stamp paper on its way

On the cards is a personalised online registration for stamp papers or a tamper-proof demat system that will mark a complete break from the antiquated stamp paper era for all types of documentations.

“The entire process is ready and only some basic formalities are left. We are the pioneers in this project,” says Ramrao Shingare, IGR, Maharashtra, who took charge recently.

The security system essentially comprises an optical thermal image that will display “original” — or “copy” if the document has been copied. Besides, a bar code at the end of the certificate will contain available details of the stamp buyer. They can be read with a special hand-held unit by officials — once issued, these details will be “locked” to prevent further tampering.

The database will then be made available at the click of a mouse to sub-registrars and the IGR.

According to Mahesh Avhad, Deputy IGR and Deputy Controller of Stamps (Computers), the new process will replace the franking system with a centralised server-based system and a centralised database.

“Anybody who seeks stamping services at one of these centres, will have to provide the requisite details of the value of stamp certificate, document type and particulars of the property to be registered. Once the certificate is provided to the purchaser, the details are locked in the special system and will form a part of the database which can be accessed anytime, anywhere by officials,” he says.

Soon after the Telgi scam, Maharashtra was the first to introduce a franking system to eliminate private vendors and replace them with authorised dealers. “But that was a temporary step. With more than 300 outlets for franking, the issuing of licenses and reloading of the machines was turning out to be cumbersome and the concept of e-stamping was evolved,” says O P Gupta, who was Maharashtra’s IGR till May 18.