<h1>Government abolishes stamp duty on very small residential plots, keeps registration tax rates, defends collector rate revisions</h1> State government abolished stamp duty on purchase of small residential plots-urban plots up to 50 sq yd and rural plots up to 100 sq yd-with immediate effect, and exempted purchases under central and state affordable housing schemes. The measure does not alter existing registration tax rates; stamp duty historically remains at 7% for men (including development fee) and 5% for women. The government defended recent upward revisions of collector rates-minimum registration values-saying they were data-driven, limited in most segments, and intended to align recorded values with market prices to curb tax evasion and black-money land deals. Opposition lawmakers contend the rate hikes make housing unaffordable and should be rolled back.