E-stamp-papers would not be issued in back date, will end land disputes, ensure transparency says Mahmood Khan
PESHAWAR
Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Thursday formally launched the issuance of E-stamp Paper in the province to ensure ease in access to basic services and prevent land disputes, forgery of documents and issuance of back dated stamp papers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing the launching ceremony, Mahmood Khan said that the provincial government moving on fast track towards e-governance to eliminate corruption and improve the quality and coverage of service delivery system through digitalization, adding that government was working on war footing to ensure provision of basic facilities to its citizens at their doorsteps.
Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Revenue and Estate Taj Muhammad Tarand and Senior Member Board of Revenue Zakir Hussain Afridi also addressed the launching ceremony.
Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Secretary Information Arshad Khan, Secretary Finance Ikram Ullah Khan and other were present on the occasion.
The initiative will also help in the determination of actual costs of land, minimize the administrative costs of printing stamp paper, increase the provincial revenue generation by Rs 500 Million annually and minimize discretion of officials, thereby ensuring transparency and accountability.
According to details, nine visible and invisible features have been incorporated into the e-stamp papers, whereas a central database will also be maintained to simplify the verification process, which can be carried out online by consumers.
Initially, stamp papers valuing between Rs 1000-25,000 will be made available online on www.estamp.kp.gov.pk for which necessary amendments have been incorporated in the Stamp Act, 1899 to give it legal cover.
Additionally, the pilot phase has already been started from District Nowshera, whereas phase wise roll out to division wise districts will be started within one month of the pilot phase followed by extension to the entire province by the end of the ongoing fiscal year.
“Digitization of services and introduction of e-governance has not only guaranteed ease in access to government services but has also ensured upholding of merit, greater transparency and accountability,” he added.
He maintained that the provincial government has taken pragmatic steps towards the establishment of a welfare government, and for that purpose, reforms have been introduced in every department to bring it at par with contemporary needs.
Introduction of E-tendering, E- bidding, and E-payment have been completed whereas E-billing, E-summary and E-cabinet are in the process of finalization, which will surely transform the governance landscape of the province.
