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Maharashtra's registration and stamps department is set to implement the 'one state, one registration' initiative, enabling citizens to register property documents at any sub-registrar office, regardless of property location. The move, aimed at reducing congestion and expediting processes, is part of a 100-day deadline set by the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, discussions on ready reckoner rates are ongoing, with stakeholders urging stability to avoid negative impacts on the middle class. The department has already recorded INR 39,000 crore in revenue this fiscal year, progressing toward its annual target of INR 55,000 crore.
Residents of Maharashtra will soon be able to register land or property documents at any sub-registrar office within the state, regardless of the property's location. This development comes as part of the 'one state, one registration' initiative announced by the Chief Minister earlier this week. Inspector General of Registration and Stamps, Ravindra Binwade, revealed that the scheme is expected to roll out by the end of April, with significant upgrades to the department's systems underway. Advertisement
Binwade explained that this initiative would eliminate the need for individuals to travel long distances to complete property transactions. For instance, a Mumbai resident selling property in Pune could complete the process at their local sub-registrar office. This is anticipated to reduce congestion at registration offices and cut down processing times.
The department, collaborating with the National Informatics Centre, is enhancing its hardware and software infrastructure to meet the Chief Minister's 100-day deadline. All 519 sub-registrar offices across Maharashtra will be equipped to handle out-of-location document registrations.
To further streamline operations, the department plans to expand e-registration services, which are already in place for first-sale properties by builders. Binwade noted that underutilised offices might be shut down, and areas lacking adequate facilities could see new offices established.
Property experts and residents have largely welcomed the initiative. A real estate brokers' association member emphasised the convenience it would bring, while also stressing the importance of robust checks to prevent misuse. Satara resident Meena Kaushik, who owns property in Pune, expressed her approval, highlighting the reduction in office crowding as a key benefit.
Binwade, who recently succeeded Hiralal Sonawane, stated that the department is reviewing existing regulations to ensure a hassle-free process and eliminate corruption. The initiative aligns with the Chief Minister's vision for faceless technology in the revenue department, signifying a step forward in modernisation.
In a parallel development, discussions on the revision of ready reckoner rates, which impact stamp duty and registration fees, are ongoing. Senior officials indicated that stakeholder consultations at the district level are expected to conclude by the end of February, with a consolidated report to be submitted to the state government thereafter.
CREDAI governing council member Shantilal Kataria cautioned against drastic changes to the rates, urging the government to consider market conditions and ensure that middle-class buyers remain unaffected. He emphasised the need for stability to maintain market buoyancy.
The state last revised ready reckoner rates in 2022. These rates vary by location, infrastructure, amenities, and demand, directly influencing revenue from stamp duty and registration charges.
The registration department has already generated INR 39,000 crore in revenue from 21 lakh document registrations until December 2024, making significant progress toward its annual target of INR 55,000 crore. While the state has yet to announce any revised targets, the department remains focused on achieving its objectives.
Maharashtra's 'one state, one registration' initiative represents a transformative step in simplifying property transactions and enhancing efficiency. By leveraging digitalisation and decentralisation, the scheme addresses longstanding challenges of congestion and delays. Meanwhile, the ongoing review of ready reckoner rates underscores the importance of balancing revenue goals with market stability, particularly to safeguard middle-class interests. Together, these efforts mark a significant stride in modernising the state's property registration ecosystem, aligning with the broader vision for seamless governance and public convenience.
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