Bhubaneswar: In a sweeping reform aimed at transparency and efficiency, the Odisha government has announced the rollout of a cashless and paperless land registration system across all registration offices.
The move, officials say, will transform one of the state's most critical public services into a fully digital, citizen-friendly process.
The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari at Lok Seva Bhawan. Under the new system, buyers and sellers will no longer need to physically submit applications at registration offices. Instead, the entire process will be completed online, with parties appearing only once before the registering authority for identity verification and statutory formalities.
Cash payments of up to Rs 15,000, previously allowed for registration charges, will now be abolished. All transactions must be made digitally, a step designed to ensure financial transparency and curb corruption. Applicants will upload required documents online, including identity proof, plot details, and the Encumbrance Certificate.
The government also plans to introduce statewide digital verification, allowing documents to be scrutinised by any registration office, thereby improving impartiality. Additionally, only registered deed writers or advocates will be authorised to prepare and submit documents.
Minister Pujari has directed officials to finalise a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for smooth implementation. Senior officials from the Revenue Department, NIC, and OCAC attended the meeting, underscoring the government's commitment to modernising land services.