Gujarat May Introduce ₹50 Notary Stamp to End Shortage of ₹5 Tickets, Ease Public Hassles

Gujarat is considering introducing a single ₹50 notary stamp to replace the 10 separate ₹5 stamps currently required for notarised documents, a move aimed at addressing a six-month shortage of ₹5 stamps and reducing inconvenience for citizens. The Superintendent of Stamps has written to the India Security Press in Nashik to assess the feasibility of printing and supplying the higher-denomination stamps. A final decision is expected in the coming days.

Gujarat Notary Association Raises Shortage Issue

The Gujarat Notary Association approached the Superintendent of Stamps over the persistent non-availability of ₹5 notary stamps. The shortage has affected citizens seeking to get documents notarised, with complaints that the stamps have not been supplied in sufficient quantities for the past six months.

The association also made representations to the Union Minister concerned. The Gujarat High Court Advocates Association joined the effort to find a solution, proposing a single ₹50 stamp in place of 10 ₹5 tickets.

Following the representations, the Superintendent of Stamps sent a letter to the India Security Press in Nashik to examine whether ₹50 denomination notary stamps could be printed and supplied for Gujarat.

One ₹50 Stamp Could Replace 10 Separate Tickets

Under the current system in Gujarat, documents requiring notarisation must carry notary stamps worth a total of ₹50, usually through 10 separate ₹5 tickets.

Affixing so many stamps takes up space on documents and requires signatures across each ticket, adding to the time and effort involved. A single ₹50 stamp would make documents neater and simplify the process for notaries and citizens.

It could also make stamp collection, record maintenance and verification easier, while reducing the workload at the Superintendent of Stamps office.

Gujarat Requires ₹50 in Notary Stamps Per Document

The report states that Gujarat requires notary stamps worth ₹50 per document under the state's stamp framework. It compares this requirement with Maharashtra, where a ₹25 stamp is mandatory, and Delhi, where the requirement is ₹10.

Although the ₹50 value is already mandatory in Gujarat, the state has continued to rely on ₹5 denomination stamps. The proposed change concerns the denomination of the stamps, rather than the total amount required per document.

Proposal Sent to Nashik Government Press

The Superintendent of Stamps has asked the India Security Press in Nashik to assess the feasibility of printing the ₹50 denomination stamps. A decision on printing, transportation and allocation is expected after the assessment.

If approved, the proposal would mark a change in Gujarat's notary stamp system and could reduce the difficulties caused by the shortage of smaller-denomination tickets.

Proposed Change Could Reduce Paper and Ink Use

Replacing 10 separate ₹5 stamps with one ₹50 stamp could reduce the paper, ink and adhesive used for each notarised document. The source report estimates that consumption of these materials could fall by up to 80%.

The change could also reduce the need for multiple signatures across separate stamps and help limit the financial burden on citizens who face difficulties obtaining ₹5 tickets during the shortage.

However, the proposal remains under consideration, and the final decision depends on the feasibility assessment and subsequent arrangements for printing and distribution.