Date:12/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/12/stories/2008011254610400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

E-stamping to be introduced

Special Correspondent

It will be launched at six places in Bangalore city
It will come into force in 45 days

BANGALORE: To eliminate corruption and fake stamp papers, the State Government has decided to introduce e-stamping for registration of property on a pilot basis at six places in Bangalore city.

P.K.H. Tharakan, adviser to the Governor, told presspersons after an Executive Committee meeting chaired by Governor Rameshwar Thakur, that e-stamping would be introduced in 45 days at three offices of sub-registrar, four offices of Stock Holding Corporation of India, and office of the State Advocate Society in Bangalore. Gujarat was the first state in the country to introduce e-stamping followed by Maharashtra. The Governor was present.

Besides elimination of corruption and fake stamp papers, the system would enhance transparency in the registration of land property. The users of the system have to pay 0.6 per cent service charge.

The Government has decided to submit a proposal to the Union Government for revival of New Government Electric Factory.

It has decided to allot 50 acres of NGEF land to Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and 19 acres to a company.

The dispute related to NGEF land was before the Supreme Court and Karnataka High Court, P.P. Prabhu, adviser to the Governor, said.

The Government has fixed the minimum support price for copra at Rs. 4,440 a quintal. The present price was Rs. 3,840 a quintal. An order to this effect would be issued in two days, Mr. Prabhu said.

The Government has decided to pay farmers 30 paise a kg if the tomato price fell below Rs. 2 a kg. However, it would be limited to only 10 tonnes a hectare, Mr. Prabhu said.