New system of paying stamp duties tedious

MANGALORE: The state government's decision to discontinue the distribution of stamp papers and introduce a new system of paying stamp duties through bank demand drafts (DDs) has added to the woes of the common man. Further, lack of proper information is making it worse.
The State Bank of Mysore (SBM) that has been distributing stamp papers has stopped the distribution for last few days.SBM's decision to terminate the contract with the state government to print and distribute the stamp papers is said to be the reason. Printing of fresh papers stopped one month ago. "Distribution has been stopped now as there are no stocks'', said SBM chief manager Sridhar Kalkura. According to the new system, the DD has to be drawn in the name of the sub-registrar concerned, submited at the office and get the document embossed.
However, there is lack of information among the common people about the system and they have to run from pillar to post searching for what to do and whom to contact. For instance, there are two sub-registrar offices in Mangalore- urban and rural. Many a times people are confused in whose name they have to draw the DD. If they make a mistake they have to again go the bank, said Mohammad Rafik, trade union leader. The procedure creates unnecessary hassles for the people. Much of their time is wasted waiting and commuting, he said.
Kavitha, sub-registrar, Mangalore Rural said that the problem occurred as the government has suddenly stropped distribution of stamp papers. The work done by the banks all these days has been shifted to the sub-registrar's office creating the work burden. But no additional staff was provided. Corrective steps have to be taken by the government itself, she said.