The Tamil Nadu Document Writers' Welfare Fund Act, 2022
The Government of Tamil Nadu published Act No. 21 of 2022, the Tamil Nadu Document Writers' Welfare Fund Act, 2022, in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette Extraordinary on 25 April 2022, after the Governor gave assent on 22 April 2022. The Act provides for a welfare fund for licensed document writers and permits a prescribed collection of up to fifty rupees for each document presented at a Sub-Registrar office. The Gazette text does not specify the commencement date, stating that the Act will commence on a date appointed by State Government notification.
Purpose and scope
The Tamil Nadu Document Writers' Welfare Fund Act, 2022 creates a framework for the State Government to constitute the Tamil Nadu Document Writers' Welfare Fund. It covers document writers licensed under the Tamil Nadu Document Writers' Licence Rules, 1982, who are admitted as members of the fund.
Effect on property registrations
The Tamil Nadu Document Writers' Welfare Fund may receive an amount collected for every document presented for registration at any Sub-Registrar office under the Registration Act, 1908. Key points are:
- The prescribed collection cannot exceed fifty rupees per document.
- The source text does not state the actual prescribed amount.
- Documents presented on behalf of the Central Government, State Government or a qualifying local authority are excluded.
- Property buyers and owners may therefore be affected when presenting documents for registration, once the relevant provisions and prescribed collection operate.
Administration
The Tamil Nadu Document Writers' Welfare Fund Committee may be established by State Government notification. Its members include officials from the Tamil Nadu Registration Department, led by the Inspector General of Registration as ex-officio Chairman, together with four nominated members from recognised Document Writers' Associations.
The fund is held by the State Government, which must release amounts to the Committee twice a year in the prescribed manner. The Committee must:
- Process admission or re-admission applications received through the District Registrar (Administration) within ninety days.
- Process benefit claims from members, nominees or legal representatives within five months.
- Communicate decisions to applicants by registered post.
- Meet at least once every three months.
- Maintain accounts and arrange an annual audit by a Chartered Accountant.
Welfare benefits
The Tamil Nadu Document Writers' Welfare Fund Committee may provide benefits after verification and subject to fund availability. The listed purposes include accidental or natural death, disability, marriage, maternity, spectacles, children's education, pensions for former members and funeral assistance for a member or spouse.
Dependants can include a widow or widower, minor son, unmarried daughter or widowed mother. Certain adult sons or married daughters who were wholly dependent on the deceased member and are infirm are also included. The source refers to benefit rates in a Schedule, but those rates are not included in the supplied text.
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Common questions
Will every document registered at a Sub-Registrar office carry a welfare fund charge?
The Act permits a prescribed collection of up to fifty rupees for each document presented for registration. It excludes documents presented on behalf of the Central Government, State Government or a qualifying local authority.
Does the Gazette confirm that the Act started on 1 January 2022?
No. The supplied Gazette text says the Act will come into force on a date appointed by State Government notification, but it does not provide that commencement notification or date.
Who can become a member of the welfare fund?
A document writer licensed under the Tamil Nadu Document Writers' Licence Rules, 1982 may be admitted to the benefits of the fund under the Act.
What benefits can a member or family claim?
The listed benefits cover death, disability, marriage, maternity, spectacles, children's education, pensions and funeral assistance. Payment is subject to verification, the specified rates and availability of money in the fund.
