GUWAHATI: In a significant move, the Assam Cabinet, during its recent meeting, has decided to discontinue the usage of physical non-judicial stamps and expand the scope of digital stamping.
This decision aims to streamline the stamping process and provide a more efficient and transparent payment system.
The cabinet has also announced the upcoming notification of necessary rules governing digital stamping.
Starting from July 1, 2023, the sale of physical non-judicial stamps from treasuries will be discontinued throughout the state.
However, individuals and vendors who have purchased physical stamps before June 30, 2023, for legitimate transactions will be allowed to utilize them until September 30, 2023.
From October 1, 2023, non-judicial physical stamps will be completely phased out, except in special unforeseen cases. In such exceptional circumstances, the use of physical stamps may be permitted by the District Registrar, subject to prior approval from the Superintendent of Stamps.
To facilitate the transition towards digital stamping, the Assam Cabinet will notify the Assam Digital Stamp (Payment of Duty using e-Stamping) Rules, 2023.
These rules will provide a framework for conducting digital stamping and ensure a standardized process.
In a move to support existing stamp vendors, who will be affected by this transition, the Assam government has decided to rehabilitate them by converting their establishments into Citizen Service Centres. Each vendor with a valid license will receive ₹1 lakh as assistance to facilitate this conversion.