Nagpur: In a major relief for students and citizens, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has announced the waiver of the ₹500 stamp duty previously required for submitting affidavits while applying for essential documents such as caste certificates, income certificates, residence certificates, non-criminal certificates, and nationality certificates at government offices.
The decision, taken by the Mahayuti Government, will significantly ease the financial burden on students, who often require multiple certificates for admission and scholarship purposes. Until now, students had to pay ₹500 per affidavit, leading to an annual expenditure of over ₹2,000 or more just in stamp duty charges. After completing Class 10 and Class 12, parents typically spent anywhere between ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 on various affidavits, adding to their financial strain.
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Wednesday 05 March 2025
Under the new rule, applicants no longer need to pay ₹500 for affidavits. Instead, they can submit a self-attested application on plain paper and directly obtain their certificates from the Tehsil office. This move eliminates unnecessary costs and streamlines the documentation process.
The waiver is effective immediately, with orders issued for its swift implementation. According to Bawankule, this initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to making administrative processes simpler, more affordable, and citizen-friendly. The decision will not only benefit students but also other residents applying for government schemes or legal documents, ensuring that essential services remain accessible to all.
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.
