Synopsis: Karnataka has launched India’s first Digital e-Stamp (DeS) system, allowing citizens to generate stamp certificates online, 24×7, without agents. The move strengthens transparency, prevents fraud, and replaces older systems affected by vulnerabilities, including risks exposed after the Telgi Scam.
Karnataka Launches Digital E-Stamp Service For Hassle-Free, 24×7 Document Stamping
In a major governance and technology reform, the Karnataka government has launched a fully digital e-Stamping system known as Digital e-Stamp (DeS). The new service allows citizens to generate stamp certificates online anytime, from anywhere in the world, removing the need for intermediaries, agents, or physical stamp papers.
The service is the first of its kind in India and aims to eliminate fraud, improve efficiency, and strengthen document security across the state.
Why Physical Stamp Papers Were Discontinued
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda explained that physical stamp papers were scrapped after the infamous Telgi Scam, which revealed widespread fraud involving counterfeit and reused stamp papers.
To curb fraud post-Telgi, the government had appointed the Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd (SHCIL) to issue e-stamp papers.
However, the minister noted that the older e-stamp system still had vulnerabilities:
- Photocopiers could create duplicate e-stamp certificates
- Stamp papers bought for one purpose were misused for another
- Misuse enabled payment evasion, causing revenue losses
This prompted the state to shift towards complete digital registration with a fraud-proof, traceable stamping process.
Karnataka Stamp (Amendment) Act, 2025 Gives Legal Sanction
The new Digital e-Stamp system has been granted full legal validity through the Karnataka Stamp (Amendment) Act, 2025.
The government will phase out the existing SHCIL e-stamp system gradually.
Key Features of the New Digital e-Stamp (DeS) System
- Fully digital & paperless: No physical stamp paper needed
- Available 24×7—accessible globally
- Secure digital payments via authorized channels
- Stamp content merges with the document, preventing tampering or misuse
- Lost documents retrievable anytime since they are fully digitized
How the New System Prevents Fraud
The biggest benefit of the DeS system is its ability to prevent fraud that plagued earlier systems:
- Duplicate or photocopied stamp papers cannot be created
- Each digital stamp is unique, encrypted, and traceable
- Stamp meant for one purpose cannot be misused for another
- Real-time backend monitoring eliminates manipulation
Benefits for the Government
According to Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, the new system provides several advantages:
- Prevents evasion of stamp duty, ending revenue leakage
- Saves crores of rupees previously paid as commission to SHCIL
- Real-time monitoring improves oversight and compliance
- Faster verification for citizens and officials
A Major Step Toward Fully Digital Registration
With the introduction of Digital e-Stamping, Karnataka moves closer to a complete digital registration ecosystem. The system promises:
- Greater transparency
- Zero dependency on middlemen
- Reduced processing delays
- Stronger protection against fraud
📌 Key Takeaway
Karnataka’s new Digital e-Stamp (DeS) system marks a groundbreaking step in eliminating stamp fraud, improving transparency, and offering 24×7 global access to secure digital stamping. With full legal backing under the Karnataka Stamp (Amendment) Act, 2025, the state becomes the first in India to adopt a fully digital stamping framework.
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