Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary Reviews 10 Revolutionary Reforms Introduced for Public Convenience in Registration Department

Raipur

Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary held a detailed review meeting with officers and staff of the Registration Department to assess the department’s performance during the previous financial year. The discussions primarily focused on revenue collection, registered documents, and district-wise updates on stamp duties and RRC (Revenue Recovery Certificate) cases. Officers also raised field-level challenges related to technical services, and suggestions were sought for enhancing public convenience.

In a significant step for public ease, the government has introduced provisions such as home-visit registrations, instant appointments in urgent cases, and a nominal fee of just ₹500 for family-related deeds such as donations and relinquishments. To ensure that these initiatives reach the public effectively, officials have been instructed to display informative banners and flex boards at registration offices.

The Registration Department contributed ₹2,979 crore in revenue to the state, underscoring its vital role in the state’s financial system. Commending the department’s performance, Minister Choudhary urged all officers and staff to work with sensitivity, ensuring both revenue growth and protection of citizens’ interests.

To strengthen the department technologically, 85 new posts have been created after restructuring its internal setup. This is aimed at improving field-level inspections and ensuring quicker registration services for the public.

As part of a major overhaul, ten revolutionary features are being introduced in the department’s software to enhance document security and improve citizen convenience:

Aadhaar-Based Authentication – Currently, identity verification during registration is done through two witnesses, which has led to numerous impersonation cases. Linking Aadhaar will allow biometric verification directly from the Aadhaar database, significantly reducing fraud.

Online Search and Download – Buyers can now verify property documents online before purchase. For a nominal fee, one can search previous registries using the khasra number and download document copies, eliminating the need to visit registration offices.

Encumbrance Certificate – Before purchasing a property, parties can now apply and receive an online certificate verifying that the property is free from loans, liens, or prior sales, providing greater transparency and legal safety.

Integrated Cashless Payment System – Stamp duty and registration fees can now be paid together via credit/debit card, POS, net banking, or UPI. This eliminates the need for handling cash and improves transaction transparency.

WhatsApp Messaging Services – Citizens will receive real-time updates via WhatsApp on application submissions, appointment bookings, registration status, and completion, enhancing communication and user experience.

DigiLocker Integration – Registered documents will now be securely stored in the Government of India’s DigiLocker, allowing easy access for use in public and private services without visiting registration offices.

Auto Deed Generation – The registration process is becoming paperless. Citizens can choose a deed format, enter details online, and automatically generate a document for direct submission to the sub-registrar, who processes it digitally.

DigiDoc Services – For documents requiring stamp duty but not registration (e.g., affidavits, agreements), the department has launched DigiDoc, enabling citizens to create legally sound documents with digital stamps online.

Home-Based Registration – The paperless registration process can now be completed from home. Citizens can prepare, verify, and submit deeds online without visiting stamp vendors, deed writers, or offices.

Automatic Mutation (Namantaran) – After property registration, mutation in the revenue department’s records used to take 1–2 months or more. Now, integration between the Registration and Revenue Departments will allow automatic mutation. This reform, currently seen only in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and partially in Haryana, will save time, labor, and eliminate middlemen.

 

Minister Choudhary directed all registration officers to familiarize themselves with these new features and ensure their effective implementation for maximum public benefit.