Jamshaid Ashraf’s Contributions – Registration Department
Jamshaid Ashraf was the Minister of Registration, (State, Independent Charge) from 2008 to 2010. During his tenure, he made massive changes and improvements, that including digitising records and computerising systems, introducing franking machines, improving customer service, introducing amendments to acts and creating new posts, all of which led to a massive boost in revenue.
- Revenue Increase
- In 2008-09, the revenue was increased by 10.85%, to 771 crores from 695 crores, which was in line with the growth trend
- However, in 2008-09, the policies he instituted, and the streamlining of processes, and easier and quicker registration with better computerised tracking and digitised records showed the results in the next year – 2009-10
- In 2009-10, the revenue grew to Rs. 1,150 crores, a record jump of 49.15%
- Computerisation of Systems and Digitisation of Records
- Introduced streamlined computerised system of registration
- Decision to digitise manual records of 10 years preceding the introduction of the computerised systems, to ensure data availability and compatibility
- Bihar Registration Rules, 2008, was enacted, repealing the old rules. This provided legal base to the new computerised system of registration, which completely replaced the old manual system
- Prime Minister’s Award for “Excellence in Public Administration” was awarded to the department’s project “SCORE: e-Registration in Bihar” on Civil Services Day, 2009
- Franking and Stamping
- Franking machines were introduced for stamping (Non Judicial) at various banks across Bihar
- Vending of Judicial Stamps through Franking machines was also introduced in the High Court compound
- To streamline the process, the provision of granting new licenses to stamp vendors was deleted by notifying Bihar Stamp (Amendment) Rules, 2008
- 5% stamp duty has been fixed by adding a new clause 35A in Schedule 1A of Indian Stamp Act, 1899 for letting houses/flats/building on rent
- Creation of Posts
- Two posts of Archivist were created to improve the conditions and functionality of the record rooms
- The post of one Office Superintendent was created for each of the 38 districts
- Improving Customer Service
- In each of the District Registration Offices, a “May I Help You” booth was created to disseminate information, forms, and help the public understand the process and answer any queries or doubts they might have
- Important Amendments
- In Section 47A of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, following amendments were made to curtail fraud and discourage fake property values:
- The appeal against the order of the Collector was to be made before the Divisional Commissioner only after payment of 50% of deficient stamp duty chargeable on the market value of the property as decided by the Collector
- A fine equal to 10% of deficient duty was also to be imposed by the Collector or Commissioner as the case may be, if it is established that the parties have deliberately concealed the actual description of the property
- If the deficient duty was not paid within 60 days of order of the Collector/Commissioner, an interest at the rate of 5% per month would be payable
- For the purpose of women empowerment, provision has been made to issue Marriage Certificate under Special Marriage Act (SMA) to both husband and wife
- In Section 47A of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, following amendments were made to curtail fraud and discourage fake property values: