परिवर्तनमेव स्थिरमस्ति

 (The Only Constant is Change)

Albert Einstein also said that “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change” 

Here I am writing about one welcome change made by Maharashtra Government in its document registration system. Said change is made by Circular dated 27 April 2020. This change can be called as one of the pleasant outcome of present tough pandemic situation.

All of us are aware about traditional document registration process involved property transactions, where parties required to visit registration offices and wait for their turn for document registration. In last few years the process was much standardized by making provisions such as booking of advance token etc., but then also due to few technical issues such as speed of server or power failure it was resulting into an enormous mission for both i.e. Government Officers working in registration offices and for parties involved in transaction of immovable property. To make this process simple earlier it was allowed to Developers/ Builders to start online registration process in their own office, but at the same time there were certain restrictions put by Government and hence said facility was failed to yield expected result. Present situation resulting in to rethinking by Government about longstanding rules about traditional registration process and stringent rules about document online registration.  Accordingly, on 27 April 2020 IGR Maharashtra by Circular bearing No. क्र. का./ ४/इ- रेजिस्ट्रेशन /२०२० declared new rules for online registration of documents, these changes are really going to help developers specially small developers to register first agreements at their own offices or at any suitable place as per their own wish and will also help Government to put some weight in its treasury when public is avoiding to visit public places due to safety concern.  

For your ready reference herewith providing key points of said circular dated 27 April 2020.

1.      Minimum number of agreements required for avail this facility:- Earlier per year minimum requirement was of 500 agreements, this rules is now changed and not minimum requirement is 20 for developers who are following RERA draft and 50 for developers who are following their own draft.

2.      Internet Connection:- Earlier it was mandatory to go for MPLS-VPN connection for online registration, this condition is waived and now any internet connection can be used for this purpose.

3.      Presence of both parties:- Earlier it was mandatory for both parties to remain present at same time at office of Developer  and completer registration formalities, this rule is changed and now purchaser can complete his part from his place or any suitable place as per his choice.  Not only that but Government is in process to develop one App for this.

4.      Joint District Register to give permission for Online Registration :- As per earlier practice IGR was authorized to take call on requests application of developers but as per said circular now JDR is empowered to decide said application. It has been made mandatory to the JDR to take call on said application within 3 working days.

5.      Handling charges:- Per agreement Rs. 1,000/- are the handling charges for this, said amount is to paid by Developer in advance in following manner, The developer who is using standard draft shall deposit Rs. 10,000/- and other developer shall deposit Rs. 50,000/- as deposit.

Really this change is going to help all stakeholders including Government. Due to present pandemic situation there is unwillingness in developers and also in purchasers and finally it is making adverse impact on Government Treasury, at this situation these steps taken by Government will help to give boost to industry and will help Government to generate revenue from its most reliable source i.e. REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY  

Herewith providing copy of  said circular for your better understanding