UP's New Aadhaar Biometric Rule Causes Daily Delays in Noida Property Registrations
In Noida, the mandatory Aadhaar-based biometric verification for property registrations, enforced across Uttar Pradesh since February 1, is significantly disrupting the registration process. Officials report that fingerprint mismatches are delaying the registration of 30 to 35 properties each day in the city, with over 100 cases stalled in the past five days alone. Elderly applicants are among the worst affected by these new stringent measures.
Stricter Verification Under UP Online Document Registration Rules, 2024
Under the updated UP Online Document Registration Rules, 2024, all parties involved in property transactions—including buyers, sellers, and witnesses—must undergo real-time Aadhaar authentication at sub-registrar offices. This process involves fingerprint or iris verification, coupled with electronic know-your-customer (e-KYC) checks. Previously, applicants only needed to submit their PAN and Aadhaar cards during registration, but the new system mandates live biometric matching with records on the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) portal.
Arun Sharma, AIG-I of the registration department, explained to TOI that biometric machines have been installed at all sub-registrar offices to facilitate this real-time authentication. "Biometrics are captured at the office and matched with Aadhaar records on the UIDAI portal at the time of registration under the new rule. Only if the biometrics match does the process move forward," he stated.
Fingerprint Failures and Limited Exemptions
Most of the disruptions stem from fingerprint authentication failures, particularly among senior citizens. Advocate Mahesh Bhati, who assists with property registrations at the Gamma-2 sub-registrar office in Greater Noida, noted, "Many of those facing problems are over 60. When their Aadhaar was first issued, their fingerprints were clearer. Over time, the ridges fade, leading to authentication failures."
In cases where biometric verification fails even after applicants update their details on the UIDAI portal, officials may allow registry processing through a one-time password (OTP) system. However, this is permitted only in exceptional circumstances and requires additional identity documents. A senior official clarified, "This is not a blanket exemption. OTP-based verification is being allowed only until the iris authentication system becomes operational."
Impact on Elderly Applicants and System Challenges
The new system does not permit manual overrides, automatically halting registries if biometric verification fails. This has led to significant inconvenience for older individuals. Hukum Singh, a 79-year-old from Lakhnawali village, shared his experience: "I had come expecting the registry to be completed in a single visit, but my biometrics did not match, and the entire process has been deferred. At this age, repeated trips to the office are very inconvenient."
Additional issues arise when applicants' Aadhaar details are outdated or PAN details are not linked or readily available during registration. Bhati added, "Elderly applicants are often asked to return after a few days, which adds to their inconvenience."
Rationale Behind the Stricter Norms and Ongoing Solutions
AIG Sharma emphasized that the stricter verification norms were introduced in response to several cases of fraudulent property transfers and impersonation reported in recent years. "But delays were being reported daily. A solution is being worked out. Until then, affected individuals will have to wait," he said.
In Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad, which together record over 1,100 property registrations daily across their sub-registrar offices, the implementation of these rules highlights a broader shift towards enhanced security in real estate transactions. The authorities are actively exploring solutions to mitigate the delays while maintaining the integrity of the verification process.
