Maharashtra Govt. to Launch 'One State, One Registration' Scheme by April-End to Simplify Property Registration

The Maharashtra government has announced an initiative called the "One State, One Registration" scheme, which aims to simplify and streamline the property registration process across the state. This scheme is set to be rolled out by the end of April 2025. The key objective is to allow citizens to register their property documents at any sub-registrar office in the state, regardless of where the property is located. 

Currently, individuals need to travel to the specific sub-registrar office where the property is located to complete the registration process, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. With the new scheme, a resident from Mumbai, for example, will not need to travel to Pune to register a property; they can simply visit their local sub-registrar office.

This move is expected to significantly ease the burden on property buyers and sellers, reducing the need for long-distance travel, hotel bookings, and time off work. Ravindra Binwade, the Inspector General of Registration and Stamps, explained that the government is working hard to meet the deadline of April-end 2025. The initiative will modernize the entire registration process, benefiting both citizens and the government by improving efficiency.

The implementation of the scheme involves substantial upgrades to both the hardware and software used by the registration department. The department is collaborating with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to enhance the technological infrastructure across all 519 sub-registrar offices in Maharashtra. The goal is to ensure that all offices can handle documents from any part of the state, providing seamless registration services to citizens. This modernization effort also includes expanding digital services, which will allow for further ease of registration, reducing the need for physical visits to offices.

One such initiative already in place is the e-registration system for first-sale properties by builders, which has been operational for some time. By expanding such digital services, the government hopes to decongest registration offices and cut down on processing times. As part of this expansion, the registration department is reviewing the utilization patterns of its current offices. Offices that are underperforming may be closed, while new facilities will be set up in districts that lack adequate infrastructure to handle the registration workload.

While the initiative has been widely welcomed by citizens and real estate professionals alike, there are also some concerns. Property experts have highlighted that although the scheme will eliminate the need for citizens to travel long distances, it is essential to maintain stringent checks and verification procedures to prevent misuse and fraud. The goal should be to offer greater convenience without compromising the integrity of the registration process.

Additionally, the Maharashtra government is reviewing the ready reckoner rates, which influence the stamp duty and registration charges. These rates vary depending on factors such as location, infrastructure, and demand in different areas. The department is in discussions with various stakeholders and will submit a report on whether the rates should be adjusted by the end of February 2025. The final decision will rest with the state government. Some members of the real estate community, such as Shantilal Kataria, a governing council member of CREDAI, have advised caution when considering rate revisions. They stressed the need to ensure that middle-class buyers are not adversely affected by any changes in the rates, as it could have a negative impact on market stability.

"One State, One Registration" scheme represents a significant step toward modernizing Maharashtra’s property registration process. It is expected to reduce inconvenience for citizens, improve the efficiency of registration offices, and foster a more transparent and accessible system. The initiative, coupled with the expansion of digital services and the review of ready reckoner rates, aims to enhance the overall experience of property transactions in the state while promoting growth in the real estate sector.