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.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday said a structural audit of all government schools will be conducted to assess the condition of buildings and basic facilities after finding safety and infrastructure lapses during an inspection of a government school.

Ms. Gupta also criticised the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s education model, saying it was heavily promoted but essential ground-level issues remained unaddressed. “The audit will examine the structural strength and safety of school buildings, along with basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, cleanliness and fire safety systems,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a statement.

The CM’s remarks came after inspecting Rajkiya Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Roop Nagar, where she found several lapses.

“Students informed the Chief Minister that the school lacked proper access to clean drinking water, with water coolers and RO systems lying non-functional for a long time. As a result, many students were forced to drink tap water directly,” read the statement.

Students also complained about the poor condition of toilets, saying several doors were broken, regular cleaning was not carried out, and the water supply remained inconsistent. “Expressing strong displeasure over the lapses, she reprimanded officials and said negligence related to children’s safety would not be tolerated under any circumstances,” read the statement. The Chief Minister directed the departments concerned to immediately address all safety-related shortcomings in the school.

Publicity versus reality

Ms. Gupta said students would not be struggling for basic facilities had the previous government genuinely strengthened the education system. “Advertisements and publicity alone cannot improve education. What matters is ensuring real facilities, a safe environment and quality education for children,” she said.

Ms. Gupta said the Delhi government is committed to delivering concrete, result-oriented work instead of indulging in “politics of appearances”. She said over the past year, the government had been working consistently to strengthen basic facilities and modernise infrastructure in government schools. The Chief Minister said the government aims to provide every student with clean drinking water, hygienic toilets, smart classrooms, digital facilities and safe infrastructure.