Punjab Revenue Department Implements Key Reforms for Transparent and Hassle-Free Services
Digitization, Streamlining, and User-Friendly Initiatives Introduced
Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab has become the first state in India to successfully implement online registration and documentation for registries, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to offer transparent and hassle-free services to its residents. The Revenue Department’s reforms in 2024 have been a significant step towards digitizing the registration process, providing relief to the people.
Punjab’s Revenue and Rehabilitation Minister, Hardip Singh Mundian, shared that the state has launched the National Generic Document Registration System, making it the first state to implement this system across all sub-registrar offices. Over 39 lakh registrations have been processed through this system, where both time slots for registration and document submission are available online. The move has streamlined the entire registration process, offering greater convenience to the public.
Additionally, the decision to approve registries without the need for a No Objection Certificate (NoC) since December 1 has provided further ease to residents. Property registration templates, drafted in simple language, have been uploaded on the department’s website, making it easier for people to navigate the registration process. The online system also features auto-locking of e-stamps and e-registration, which helps prevent the reuse of e-stamps and receipts, contributing to a marked increase in e-stamp collection.
As part of efforts to make the process more user-friendly, the Punjab government has also introduced a portal to streamline the registration of private properties. This has resulted in the receipt of over 184 applications, with around 100 already disposed of. To assist those affected by natural disasters, the Revenue Department released ₹432.03 crore in the financial year 2023-24 and ₹59.64 crore in the current year, compensating for damages to crops, houses, livestock, and human lives.
The department’s role in generating employment for the youth has also been significant. In 2024, 75 Naib Tehsildars, 35 clerks, and 2 stenotypists were recruited. The process to recruit an additional 1,001 Patwaris is ongoing, with appointment letters yet to be issued to 49 Patwaris. The government has also allocated funds from the Punjab Land Records Society (PLRS) for the new construction and repairs of administrative complexes and sub-division offices across the state.
To further reduce delays, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue Mr. Anurag Verma issued directives to ensure the presence of officials at their offices from 9 am to verify properties. He also instructed that all pending mutation cases be resolved by December 31, with strict action to be taken against officers failing to meet the deadline. To facilitate the public, a helpline number (1100) was introduced to address issues related to mutations.
These comprehensive reforms are a testament to the Punjab government’s commitment to providing transparent, efficient, and user-friendly services to its citizens.