The Uttar Pradesh government is planning a series of reforms to simplify property registration, tenancy agreements, and land record management. As part of the state’s Vision 2047 plan, these initiatives aim to modernize registration processes, reduce legal hurdles, and provide quicker access to property ownership information, Minister Ravindra Jaiswal said.
Mr. Jaiswal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Stamp and Court Fee, Registration, explained that a QR code-based verification system is being developed to allow buyers to confirm property ownership and transaction history. The system will integrate land registry data with state revenue records, providing updated ownership information immediately after registration. Currently, it takes 35–40 days for homebuyers’ names to reflect in the revenue records, but under the new system, officials will verify records at registration offices before finalizing a transaction, ensuring instant ownership rights.
The QR codes will allow homebuyers to scan a property and access details including current ownership, past transactions, and the seller’s legal entitlement to sell. Historical ownership data is expected to be available online within six months. This step is designed to reduce property fraud and provide clarity to buyers.
The government also intends to encourage property owners to formalize tenancy agreements. High stamp duty, currently four percent, has discouraged landlords from registering agreements, leading to unregistered contracts with no legal value. The proposed reform will introduce a fixed charge of ₹500–₹1,000 for registering tenancy agreements, securing the rights of both landlords and tenants.
Family property settlements are also being addressed. The government plans to allow settlements spanning up to four generations for a fixed charge of ₹5,000. This measure is expected to reduce prolonged litigation and clarify inheritance rights.
Property registrations in UP have grown significantly over the years. Jaiswal noted that around 16 lakh registrations were processed annually in 2017–18, compared to about 50 lakh now. To handle the increased workload, registration offices will be modernized along the lines of Passport Seva Kendras, including air-conditioned halls, furniture, help desks, and token-based appointment systems.
The department will also introduce ATMs for commonly used stamp papers in denominations of ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, and ₹100, with annual sales reaching nearly ₹800 crore. These machines will allow citizens to withdraw stamp papers as conveniently as cash from bank ATMs.
Women homebuyers will benefit from a 1 percent rebate on stamp duty for properties valued up to ₹1 crore. This measure is part of an effort to promote women’s financial independence, potentially saving ₹1 lakh on property registration in the beneficiary range.
Mr. Jaiswal emphasized that the government does not plan to raise circle rates solely to increase revenue. Instead, as citizens invest in property and other assets, state revenue will grow naturally.
Simplifying stamp duty calculations is another focus. Currently, 42 parameters determine rates, causing confusion and opportunities for fraud. The government aims to reduce the number to 18–20, clarifying rules for residential, commercial, and agricultural properties.
Land-use verification will also be expedited. Officials plan to complete verification within three months of property purchase to ensure compliance with tax and land-use regulations.
These measures reflect a broader push to digitize records, enhance transparency, and reduce procedural delays in property transactions in Uttar Pradesh.
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