Context:

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has invited public feedback on the Draft Registration Bill 2025, which aims to overhaul India’s outdated land registration system.

Overview of the Draft Registration Bill 2025

• Purpose:
  To create a modern, transparent, and citizen-centric framework for registering property and land-related documents.
• Replacement of Existing Law:
  The bill proposes to repeal the 117-year-old Registration Act of 1908.
• Key Objectives:
  • Digitize property registration processes
  • Improve transparency
  • Maintain digital records for better governance

Key Features

• Modern, Dual-Mode Registration:
  Allows both online and offline registration of land documents with Aadhaar or other identity verification options.
• Expanded Scope of Compulsory Registration:
  Includes documents such as:
  • Sale agreements
  • Business mergers involving immovable property
• Optional Registration:
  Offers simplified procedures for optional registration, though specifics remain unclear.
• New Administrative Roles Introduced:
  • Additional and Assistant Inspector Generals of Registration to support registration oversight.
• Powers to Cancel Invalid Registrations:
  • The Inspector General of Registration can nullify registrations made on false or illegal grounds.
  • Affected parties may file an appeal within 30 days.
• Reduced Penalties:
  • Lowers imprisonment from 7 years to 3 years, with associated fines.

Concerns and Challenges

• Cybersecurity Risks:
  Stronger safeguards are needed to protect digital records and electronic signatures.
• Operational Concerns with CSCs:
  • Delegating legal registration tasks to Common Services Centres (CSCs)—such as handling stamp duty and title transfers—may introduce inconsistencies or procedural lapses.

Related Initiatives

• Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP):
  • Revamped in 2016 as a 100% Central Sector Scheme
  • Aims to modernize and integrate land records, reduce disputes, improve transparency, and enable digital sharing of land data.
• SVAMITVA Scheme:
  • Launched on April 24, 2020, it provides official land ownership records for residents of rural abadi areas.
  • Utilizes drone and GIS technology to support rural planning, reduce land disputes, facilitate access to loans, and empower rural populations.
• NAKSHA Programme:
  • A collaborative initiative by the Department of Land Resources and the Survey of India
  • Seeks to modernize urban land records and ensure their authenticity amid rapid urban growth.

Source: Indian Express