Port Blair, Jan 19: The Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to exempt the stamp duty fee and registration fee for transfer of the land by way of Gift Deed to family members in the larger interest of the Islanders.

In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament mentioned that the A&N Administration through an order No.274/19 F.No. 3-21/SR/Stamp Duty/2015 dated 22nd October 2019 has fixed circle rate for per square metre of lands of different villages of South Andaman, N&M Andaman and Campbell Bay in Nicobar District for the purpose of effecting transfer of interest of land and immovable property by way of Conveyance/ Gift/ Exchange etc. in various areas of this Union Territory.

He said that on this issue a large number of Islanders have approached him stating that many recorded tenants wish to transfer their share of landed property to their family members by way of executing Gift Deed. But due to imposition of stamp duty fee of 6% and Registration fee of 1% over the total valuation of landed property, Islanders are unable to bear the stamp duty/ registration fee since the financial status of the recorded tenants are very weak and because of which, it would be difficult for them to bear such expenses. 

“Moreover they are not going to sell or get any profit out of the said land,” the Member of Parliament added.