In a significant move aimed at easing public hardship, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday launched the groundbreaking 'Easy Registry' initiative. This reform is set to fundamentally transform the property registration process across the state, marking a departure from a system long plagued by complexity and delays.
A New Era for Property Registration in Punjab
Addressing the public, CM Mann highlighted the historical challenges citizens faced. For decades, property registration was considered a complicated and time-consuming ordeal, often forcing people to make multiple trips to a specific Sub-Registrar office. This not only caused significant inconvenience but also created opportunities for unnecessary delays and corruption. The old rule mandated that people could only register their property at the Sub-Registrar office under whose jurisdiction the property fell, adding an extra layer of burden.
Key Features of the Easy Registry System
The newly launched system introduces several citizen-centric features designed for simplicity and transparency. Now, any sub-registrar office within a district will be able to register properties located anywhere in that particular district, eliminating the need for long-distance travel.
Furthermore, citizens have flexible options for drafting their sale deeds. They can do it online or through nearby 'Sewa Kendras' by paying a nominal fee of just Rs 500. The entire process is streamlined for speed, with complete online submission of documents possible within a swift 48-hour window.
To tackle corruption head-on, the government has integrated a direct complaint mechanism. If any official demands a bribe, a complaint can be lodged directly through a provided contact number. Citizens will also receive real-time updates on every stage of their registration process via WhatsApp, ensuring they are always informed.
Enhanced Accountability and Faster Resolution
The initiative also strengthens accountability within the administration. Deputy Commissioners have been made directly responsible for ensuring that every property registration is completed smoothly and without hiccups.
In case any objection is raised during the registration process, it will be immediately referred to the concerned Deputy Commissioner. The DC will then personally verify whether the objection is genuine or not, preventing malicious or frivolous hold-ups. This direct oversight is expected to cut through red tape and expedite resolutions, making the entire system more efficient and citizen-friendly.
