In a classic example of lack of awareness in one of the most progressive states of Maharashtra, a circular issued by the state government in 2004, allowing one to file affidavit on a plain paper instead of stamp paper, is yet to find popularity. Forget about the common man, even all those who contested the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in the last one decade have submitted their affidavit on stamp papers.
In a classic example of lack of awareness in one of the most progressive states of Maharashtra, a circular issued by the state government in 2004, allowing one to file affidavit on a plain paper instead of stamp paper, is yet to find popularity. Forget about the common man, even all those who contested the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in the last one decade have submitted their affidavit on stamp papers.
Dr Shrikar Keshav Pardeshi, Inspector General of Registration and Collector of Stamps (Maharashtra) (IGR) told dna, "This initiative of the state government in 2004 was in larger public interest as it will help commoners save money. Citizens can make affidavit, to be submitted to the state government offices for obtaining various documents, on plain paper instead of stamp paper. The affidavit made on plain paper is valid and accepted in all government offices or court or before the officer of any court."
He further elaborated, "In a fresh initiative, the government has now instructed all the stamp duty registration offices to apprise individuals not to use stamp paper for the purpose of filing affidavit anymore. Even all the district collectors are informed in this regard to implement this. During the last Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha election, though the same was communicated to all district election officers -- to inform candidates that affidavits can be made on plain paper -- it seems, the candidates were wary of taking any chances. Now, we have requested the Principal Secretary, Revenue to send an official communication to all competent authorities in this regard."
"The government wants to ensure that the initiative is widely publicised through electronic and print media, so that the common man is benefitted. We are in the process of making it a mass movement through various social media as well. Even in large public gathering, it would be announced by various dignitaries during their speeches. If there is complaint from students or parents that educational institutions are seeking affidavit with stamp paper, then our office would inquire into it," added Pardeshi.
All government offices seek affidavits from public when they apply for various certificates, including that of caste, domicile and income to name a few.
Radheshyam Mopalwar, Konkan divisional commissioner, too informed dna that instructions have gone to all district collectors in Konkan division. All desired certificates can be applied on self-attested plain papers."
According to Dr Mahender Singh Churiyana, a social activist, "lack of enthusiasm on part of the officers is to be blamed for this highly popular initiative not reaching the common man. Ten years is a long period and commoners must have lost crores of rupees in making affidavits on stamp paper. It is sheerly negligence in the part of implementing agencies." He further demanded that the government fix the responsibility and punish those officials who ignored such an important decision.
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