Delhi government plans digital upgrade of sub-registrar offices to curb delays, fraud

Sub-registrar offices will be transformed into transparent, technology-enabled, and citizen-centric service centres, modelled on the time-bound service delivery of Passport Seva Kendras, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Saturday.

Ms. Gupta said the aim is to transform the functioning of these offices so that citizens registering property no longer have to deal with “delays, corruption, middlemen or unnecessary hassles”.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), she recently held a meeting with senior officials of the department concerned, during which several private firms also made presentations on how technology-driven systems, trained staff and integrated digital services have enabled some States to deliver faster, more transparent and hassle-free public services. Following this, the government decided to adopt a similar model to improve citizen services and enhance revenue collection, the CMO added.

Ms. Gupta said the facilities planned for these centres include air-conditioned waiting lounges, help desks, digital assistance counters, smart token systems and real-time application tracking.

“Online appointment booking, pre-verification services, live application tracking and smart token management are expected to reduce waiting times and improve transparency,” the CMO said.

‘Advanced security’

“The government also plans to introduce advanced security and verification mechanisms. These will include AI-powered facial recognition for identity verification, background checks and blockchain-backed record security. Modern technologies such as digital record management, geo-fencing and secure data integration will be used to make property records tamper-proof, curb fraud and reduce disputes,” it added.

The Chief Minister said that while private partners may assist in establishing and operating premium model registrar centres, all statutory powers and final decision-making authority will remain exclusively with the government.

The new system is also expected to eliminate the influence of middlemen and touts, while addressing issues such as revenue leakage, incorrect property valuation, difficulties in tracking pending documents and the risk of fraudulent paperwork.