SHILLONG, March 17: The Opposition Congress on Wednesday broached the issue of the dearth of stamps in the market and alleged that it has been affecting the general public for the past few months. However, the state government maintained in the floor of the House that the scarcity of the stamps was due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Moving the cut motion during the budget session, Umroi Congress MLA George B Lyngdoh said that there is a huge shortage in the supply of stamps in the market, which has affected various works in the different departments.
Participating in the cut motion, Nongpoh Congress MLA Mayralborn Syiem asked if the stamps are being hoarded. He also asked if there is any alternative or scope to lower the stamp duty on the registration of land.
In his reply, Power Minister James Sangma said that the shortage in supply of stamps has happened due to COVID-19 pandemic.
“The stamps of small denomination, which are indented from Hyderabad, could not be lifted in view of the pandemic. However, the same were lifted in January this year and the supply of small denomination stamps is now sufficient,” James said.
With regard to the lowering of stamp duty for land registration, James said that there are no plans to revise the stamp duty charges.
The power minister also informed that the state government has no plans to do away with physical stamps if e-stamping is introduced.
James was allaying fears of Lyngdoh, who had enquired if the new e-stamp system introduced by the government will replace the old stamp system.
“We believe that e-stamping will help the government in cost-saving. The government is expected to save an amount of Rs 1 crore per annum with the implementation of the e-stamping. E-stamping will also ensure accounting of transactions and proper maintenance of record,” James said.