The Delhi government has officially implemented an innovative policy, dubbed “Anywhere Registration,” that facilitates property transactions at all 22 sub-registrar offices throughout the city, regardless of jurisdiction, as announced by officials on Wednesday.
In a detailed statement, the office of the chief minister emphasized that the government has abolished the previous requirement mandating citizens to visit a specific sub-registrar office for property registration. Instead, residents can now book online appointments at any sub-registrar office located anywhere across Delhi, enhancing convenience in property-related transactions.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi stated, “The introduction of the ‘Anywhere Registration’ policy aims to effectively resolve persistent issues related to property registration. Individuals seeking to register their property will benefit from the freedom to visit any sub-registrar office across Delhi, breaking away from the once-restricted practice of being confined to a single designated location. This traditional process often subjected individuals to long queues and significant delays when securing appointments, while many other offices faced underutilization.”
Delhi currently encompasses 11 revenue districts, hosting a total of 22 sub-registrar offices that serve as essential hubs for registering over 20 distinct types of documents, including sale deeds, leases, conveyance deeds, and power of attorneys, among others. Collectively, these offices manage the registration of approximately 350,000 to 400,000 documents each year, forming a vital aspect of real estate transactions in the metropolis.
Officials clarified that while there are no changes to the physical jurisdiction of the sub-registrar offices, residents will now enjoy greater flexibility in selecting the most convenient location for their needs, further promoting accessibility to services.
A senior Delhi government official expressed optimism regarding the reform, stating that the new policy is set to enhance transparency and combat corruption within the system. “Individuals who previously faced pressure from middlemen at certain offices will now have the freedom to opt for alternative locations. Additionally, monitoring application volumes across different offices will aid in identifying popular locations and addressing the challenges experienced by residents,” the official, who preferred to remain unnamed, explained.
In April 2023, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena took decisive action by instructing the Delhi government to categorize the city as a single district for property registration purposes. This directive aimed to safeguard citizens against opportunistic touts and streamline the property registration process, as part of a broader initiative targeting corruption in sub-registrar offices.
**Interview with Chief Minister Atishi on the “Anywhere Registration” Policy**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Chief Minister Atishi. The recent implementation of the “Anywhere Registration” policy in Delhi is generating significant interest. Can you explain what motivated the government to introduce this policy?
**Atishi**: Thank you for having me. The primary motivation behind the “Anywhere Registration” policy is to simplify and streamline the property registration process in Delhi. For too long, residents have been restricted to specific sub-registrar offices based on jurisdiction, which often led to confusion and inconvenience. Our goal is to make property transactions more accessible and efficient, thereby supporting the rights of homeowners and potential buyers.
**Editor**: How does the appointment system work? Will residents still need to complete any paperwork in advance before visiting a sub-registrar office?
**Atishi**: Yes, residents can now book appointments online at any sub-registrar office across Delhi. This can be done through our user-friendly platform, which also provides information on necessary documentation required for property registration. We encourage people to complete their paperwork before their appointment to further expedite the process.
**Editor**: Long queues have traditionally been a persistent issue for citizens. How do you anticipate this policy will change that experience for them?
**Atishi**: By allowing individuals to choose any sub-registrar office, we aim to distribute the load across all 22 offices in Delhi. This should significantly reduce waiting times as people can select a time and location that suits them best. No longer will residents have to endure long queues at a single, overcrowded office.
**Editor**: What feedback have you received from the public regarding these changes so far?
**Atishi**: The initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Many residents appreciate the convenience and flexibility that comes with the “Anywhere Registration” policy. It’s empowering them to take control of their property transactions without unnecessary hurdles, which is a core tenet of our governance philosophy.
**Editor**: Lastly, do you see this policy as part of a broader initiative to modernize public services in Delhi?
**Atishi**: Absolutely. The “Anywhere Registration” policy is just one component of our government’s larger efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in public services. We are committed to leveraging technology to improve the experience of our citizens and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks. This is just the beginning, and we have many more initiatives planned for the future.
**Editor**: Thank you for your insights, Chief Minister Atishi. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this policy in Delhi.
**Atishi**: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share this important step towards a more efficient and citizen-friendly governance.