New Delhi: The Delhi Government is planning to introduce a fully online and paperless property registration system, with officials indicating that the proposal could be implemented within the next five to six months.

The move aims to streamline property transactions by reducing paperwork and minimising the need for physical visits to government offices.

Only one visit for biometric verification

According to officials, once the proposal receives cabinet approval and is cleared by the Assembly, buyers and sellers will be required to visit the sub-registrar’s office only once for biometric authentication.

All other steps in the process — including application submission, document verification, and registration — will be completed online. Final documents will be delivered digitally through platforms like DigiLocker, ensuring easy and secure access.

The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the time and effort involved in property transactions.

Aim to reduce fraud and improve transparency

Officials said the transition to a paperless system is intended to curb fraud by making the entire process digitally traceable. By limiting human intervention and manual handling of documents, the government hopes to increase transparency and accountability.

The new system will allow end-to-end tracking of applications, helping authorities and applicants monitor the status of transactions in real time.

To support the initiative, the government is likely to engage a specialised software firm to develop and implement the platform.

Existing systems to be upgraded

Currently, property registrations in Delhi are partially digitised through systems like the National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS) and the Delhi Online Registration Information System (DORIS).

These platforms enable online submission of documents, e-stamp payments, and appointment scheduling. However, officials noted that the overall process still requires significant manual intervention.

The proposed overhaul aims to integrate these systems into a fully digital framework, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and multiple office visits.

Delays in earlier attempts

Efforts to digitise property registration in Delhi have been ongoing for several years but have faced delays due to administrative and logistical challenges.

A consultant was appointed last year to push the project forward, but progress slowed due to Assembly elections and other factors. The renewed push signals the government’s intent to prioritise digital governance and ease of doing transactions.

Benefits for citizens and administration

If implemented successfully, the paperless system is expected to benefit both citizens and authorities. Applicants will experience faster processing times, reduced costs, and greater convenience.

For the administration, the system could lead to improved record-keeping, better compliance, and reduced scope for disputes and fraudulent activities.

Conclusion

The Delhi government’s plan to introduce paperless property registration marks a significant step towards digital governance. By simplifying procedures and enhancing transparency, the initiative could transform how property transactions are conducted in the capital, provided it is executed effectively within the proposed timeline.