Haryana Stamp Vendors Sound Alarm Over Private Sale Proposal
Stamp vendors across Haryana have urgently appealed to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to intervene against a proposed move that would allow a private entity to handle stamp paper sales. The vendors describe this potential shift as an "existential threat" to their traditional business model and livelihood.
Association Voices Strong Opposition
The All Haryana Stamp Vendor Association, under the leadership of state president Subhash Chandra Sharma, has formally opposed the plan to involve National e-Governance Services Ltd (NeSL) in stamp paper operations. The association has expressed significant concerns about the accelerating transition toward e-stamping systems, warning that this development could effectively sideline traditional vendors and negatively impact thousands of families who depend on this trade for their income.
Key Demands and Concerns
The association has presented several critical demands to the government:
- Immediate Halt to Private Transfer: They have urged the government to suspend any proposal that would transfer stamp sale operations to private entities.
- Policy Representation: The vendors seek formal representation in all policy decisions affecting their trade.
- Revision of Sales Cap: They demand revision of the existing Rs 20,000 cap on stamp sales, arguing that a 25% increase in collector rates for the 2024-25 fiscal year has rendered this limit economically unviable.
- Commission Rate Linkage: The association wants commission rates to be systematically linked to annual increases in collector rates.
- Exclusive E-Stamp Rights: They seek exclusive rights for licensed vendors to sell e-stamps up to their authorized limits, citing provisions from the Punjab Stamp Rules of 1934 as supporting their position.
Potential Impact and Legal Warning
The association estimates that over 2,500 vendors dealing in small-denomination stamps—including Rs 10, Rs 15, Rs 50, Rs 100, and Rs 500 denominations—could be directly affected by any privatization move. These stamps are extensively used for various unregistered documents such as affidavits, powers of attorney, and general agreements.
Vendors have raised additional concerns about potential revenue losses and have questioned whether the proposed move aligns with existing legal frameworks, specifically the Indian Stamp Act of 1899 and current rules, suggesting amendments might be necessary. The association has issued a clear warning that they may pursue legal recourse through the courts if their livelihood faces substantial threat from these proposed changes.
Current Status of the Proposal
According to sources familiar with the matter, the proposal to involve private players in stamp paper sales remains under active consideration. The plan currently awaits final clearance from the Chief Minister's office before any implementation can proceed. This pending decision has created significant uncertainty among the vendor community, who continue to advocate for protection of their traditional role in Haryana's administrative ecosystem.
