In a landmark decision aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents and citizens, the Maharashtra government, has announced the waiver of ₹500 stamp duty previously required for submitting affidavits alongside essential documents like caste certificates, income certificates, residence certificates, non-criminal certificates, nationality certificates, and others at government offices. This decision comes at a time when 10th and 12th-grade exams are underway. After the results are declared, students and parents traditionally face the hectic task of collecting and submitting these important certificates. Previously, parents had to spend anywhere from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 to obtain these documents, adding extra financial pressure.
Under the new rule, there will no longer be a need to pay the ₹500 stamp duty. Parents will now only need to submit a self-attested application and can directly obtain the required certificates from the Tehsil office. This move will effectively eliminate the recurring costs and ease the financial strain on families. The waiver will benefit not only students but also citizens who need these certificates for a variety of purposes, including applying for government schemes or legal matters. By removing this fee, the Maharashtra government is making it easier for millions of residents to access essential documents without incurring unnecessary costs.
To ensure swift implementation, Chief Minister has directed the revenue department to immediately put this decision into action, providing much-needed relief to families and simplifying the process for obtaining vital certificates.This initiative is a step toward a more accessible, citizen-friendly government, prioritizing affordability and efficiency in administrative services across the state. Previously, ₹100 stamps were commonly used for various transactions, including affidavits, rent agreements, loan documents, educational affidavits, letters of accumulation, and sale agreements. In a bid to boost revenue, the Maharashtra government then decided to abolish the ₹100 and ₹200 stamps, requiring all transactions to now be carried out using ₹500 stamps.