Uttarakhand on friday became the ninth state in the country to launch e-stamping which ensures a secure way of paying non-judicial stamp duty to government.

E-stamping is a part of the e-governance initiative introduced by the state finance department in association with the Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd.

The application was launched by additional chief secretary (ACS) Alok Kumar Jain.

E-stamping is a computer-based application and a secure way of paying non-judicial stamp duty to the government. It has also been introduced in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

In the first phase, e-stamping will be introduced in the four districts of Dehra Dun, Haridwar, Udhamsingh Nagar and Nainital.

The state government has also roped in 45 branches of the Punjab National Bank (PNB) in these districts through which e-stamps can be sold.

Describing the initiative as a major achievement in the ongoing reforms process, Jain said, the move would help the people in overcoming the tedious physical method of stamping.