Aadhar –linked e-registration of properties still to wait in Maharashtra

By Realty Quarter Bureau

It has been over a year since proposed, but the state government is yet to give its nod to amend Registration Rules, 1961, for enabling individuals to go for Aadhaar-linked e-registration of properties.

Last year, the state Inspector General of Registration and Controller of Stamps (IGR) had proposed for the amendments in the Registration Rules, 1961. However, it is still pending with the law and judiciary department for approval.

State IGR Anil Kawade said once the proposal is approved, it will benefit citizens by masking the entire process simpler. “It will also usher in much-needed transparency,” he said.

According to IGR officials, they have proposed amendment in Rule number 69 of the registration rules, which is basically recommending a word “Aadhaar linked”. It will enable individuals to register property documents sitting in their houses. “If given a go ahead, it will enable individuals to go for Aadhaar linked e-registration of property documents from home with the help of a web cam and finger print scanner,” they said.

They said with 90% people in the state having Aadhaar numbers, identification of the individual is possible by matching the biometric information rather than taking the help of witnesses.

As per the rules, it is mandatory for the sub-registrar offices to verify the identity of the applicants by calling in two witnesses. The IGR officials are hoping to use the Aadhaar database to verify the person’s identity and help him /her register from home. They said it would stop overcrowding at 500-odd offices in the state.