The government of Maharashtra's Amnesty Scheme 2008 for stamp duty defaulters, which was in force from 9th June 2008 up to 8th September 2008 but was extended from time to time finally closed on 26th February 2009.

The amnesty scheme has generated revenue of approximately Rs190 crore, as per initial data available on 27th February. There were 91,237 applications, which is twice of what was expected.

To make it easy for the people, six registration offices were made operational in different part of the city, namely Mumbai, Kurla, Andheri, Borivili, Enforcement I and Enforcement II.

Collector of stamps BR Pardhe, Enforcement II, said the public response was phenomenal and the maximum numbers of applications, 28,465, were in Borivili. "The main objective of the amnesty scheme was to ensure that property (flat) owners, especially the lower and middle income groups, legitimise their ownership by paying stamp duty and taking advantage of the liberal concessions offered under this amnesty scheme.

"To facilitate the applications, counters were kept open on Sundays and holidays too. Beside, camps were set up in Mhada societies, especially on holidays so that people can turn up," said Pardhe.

Advocate Shashipal Shankar who deals in property matters, said, "There was no proper system in place and there was chaos in all the offices. This scheme has benefited agents, who have minted money, and not the common people."

A senior government officer, on condition of anonymity, said the government is planning to reintroduce this scheme in the near future.

Mewati Sitaram/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication