Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves Aadhaar-Based Authentication for Property Registration
In a significant move to enhance transparency and curb fraudulent activities in real estate transactions, the Uttar Pradesh state cabinet has given its approval for the implementation of an Aadhaar-based authentication system for property registration. This decision, announced on Thursday, is set to revolutionize the way property deeds are registered across the state, with the new system scheduled to be rolled out in all sub-registrar offices starting from February 1, 2024.
Preventing Land Scams Through Advanced Verification
Officials have highlighted that the primary objective of this initiative is to prevent land scams that often occur through fake registrations. By leveraging Aadhaar authentication, the system aims to establish the identity of individuals involved in property transactions electronically, thereby reducing the risk of impersonation and fraudulent activities. State Minister for Stamp and Registration, Ravindra Jaiswal, emphasized that this measure will significantly increase transparency in the registration process, making it more secure and reliable for all parties involved.
Implementation Details and Legal Framework
The decision to implement the Aadhaar authentication system was initially taken during a review meeting of the department on August 28 last year, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. To formalize this move, the Uttar Pradesh Online Document Registration Rules, 2024, were enforced through a notification issued on August 2, 2024. Under these rules, the identity of Aadhaar holders will be verified using electronic methods such as e-KYC, biometric authentication, and e-signature.
Minister Jaiswal explained that the system will be utilized for identity verification of executants, parties, and witnesses during the deed registration process. This comprehensive approach ensures that every individual involved in a property transaction is accurately identified, thereby minimizing the chances of fraud and enhancing the overall integrity of the registration system.
Extension of Digitization Project for Old Documents
In addition to the Aadhaar-based authentication system, the state cabinet also approved an extension of the project to digitize old documents registered in sub-registrar offices from 2002 to 2017. Originally approved until 2022 with an estimated cost of Rs 95 crore, the project has faced various delays, leading to an extension of six months and an increase in the total cost to Rs 123.62 crore.
An official report indicates that significant progress has been made in this digitization effort, with 99.11% of indexing and 98.37% of scanning work already completed. However, some pending work remains in districts including Etah, Varanasi, Moradabad, Mainpuri, Lucknow, Aligarh, Hathras, Agra, Saharanpur, and Prayagraj. The extension aims to ensure the completion of these remaining tasks, thereby facilitating easier access to historical property records and further supporting the state's digital transformation in real estate management.
Impact on Real Estate and Governance
The introduction of Aadhaar-based authentication is expected to have a profound impact on the real estate sector in Uttar Pradesh. By streamlining the registration process and incorporating robust verification mechanisms, the system is likely to boost confidence among buyers, sellers, and investors. Moreover, it aligns with the broader goals of the Digital India initiative, promoting the use of technology to improve governance and public service delivery.
As the state prepares to implement this new system from February 1, stakeholders in the property market are advised to familiarize themselves with the updated procedures to ensure a smooth transition. This move not only addresses long-standing issues related to land scams but also sets a precedent for other states to adopt similar measures in their property registration frameworks.
