The rule requiring an Aadhaar, passport, or PAN card for property registration in the state has been well-received. Officials noted that about 60% of registrations last month used Aadhaar verification, which is encouraging.
An official said, “To prevent fraudulent registrations through fake documents and identities, the Stamp and Registration Department has mandated submitting one of these three personal documents, including Aadhaar verification, for registration since September. There is speculation about a future decision to make Aadhaar verification mandatory, pending approval from the central government.”
Property prices have increased across most urban areas in the state, including Bengaluru. Following the government’s revision of guideline rates last year, the real estate market has seen a surge in prices, leading to numerous illegal and unethical practices in property sales.
Instances of selling properties under pretences and registering properties in the names of proxy individuals using hard-earned money have become widespread, putting families in severe distress.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda said, “Aadhaar verification offers several key benefits, starting with the easy identification of genuine property owners. It plays a crucial role in preventing the registration of properties under fake names, thereby protecting the integrity of property transactions. Furthermore, Aadhaar verification promotes transparency regarding benami properties, ensuring that hidden ownership is revealed.
It also allows for the disclosure of property details registered under individual or joint names, which enhances accountability in property dealings. The transition to mandatory Aadhaar verification is viewed as a significant advancement in safeguarding the integrity of property transactions within the state.”
The department piloted property registration in three taluks to assess its effectiveness before implementing it statewide in September. This initiative aims to facilitate the identification of genuine property owners and curb illegal activities.
“Currently, the requirement is to submit one of the three documents. However, if Aadhaar verification is to be made compulsory in the future, amendments to the central government’s Registration Act of 1908 will be necessary. Discussions have already taken place at the departmental level regarding this amendment. Due to delays in the amendment process, the cabinet has decided to make the submission of Aadhaar along with the other two documents mandatory. The positive response to this decision reflects a desire for 100% Aadhaar verification in future registrations,” said an official.
Since the introduction of the requirement to submit one of the three documents, approximately 60% to 65% of registrations have utilised Aadhaar verification. “Measures have been implemented to protect Aadhaar card data,” claimed an official.
