In a landmark step to dismantle corruption and simplify governance, Punjab on Monday became the first state in India to offer a seamless, transparent, and corruption-free property registration system. Launching the ‘Easy Registry’ initiative from Mohali, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared an end to the era of bribe-driven, delay-ridden land registrations.
For the first time in India, in any state, citizens will be able to register their property at any sub-registrar office within their district, get deeds written at the tehsil itself, and receive objection notices—if any—within 48 hours. Warning officials against misuse, Arvind Kejriwal promised strict action against those raising false objections. The reform is currently in trial phase and will be fully implemented across Punjab from August 1.
Launching the new property registry system in Punjab, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “Today, the property registry system that is being launched in Punjab—there is no system like this in any other state across the country. For the first time, such a system is being implemented here in Punjab. Until now, if anyone had to go to a tehsil office or the office of the Tehsildar, it was like a terrible nightmare for them. People would feel nervous just walking in, and by the time they left after completing their work, they would be completely drained. This was a legacy from British colonial times.”
Explaining the exploitative practices in the old registry system, the AAP Supremo continued, “I believe that today, with what is being started here in Mohali on a pilot basis, it is not just a historic day for Punjab but for the entire country. It began with Mohali, but soon will be implemented throughout Punjab. It can also be a model for the entire nation to adopt.”
Highlighting the inefficiencies and corruption within the traditional property registry process, Arvind Kejriwal said that we know how difficult it is to get a property registered. As soon as a person enters the office of the tehsildar or sub-registrar, the first thing they need to do is get the registry typed, get the deed written. And right from that moment, they are surrounded. The moment they enter the office, two or three people encircle them saying, ‘Yes, what do you need?’ When the person says, ‘I need to get my registry deed written,’ they reply, ‘Come with us, we will handle everything,’ and a broker takes charge.
“Then a ‘package deal’ is negotiated for getting the deed written. This package includes the cost of the deed, and it’s said that the tehsildar and sub-registrar both get a share. It’s even said that someone higher up also gets a cut. But the package exists, and the brokers sit outside to make the deal. If a package isn’t opted for, the deed will face a hundred objections. One objection is raised, then you’re told to come again. Then another objection, then the third time you return, then stand in line again—objections never end,” he added.
Eliminating the role of private deed writers and middlemen, Arvind Kejriwal introduced the reforms in Punjab’s registry system, stating, “After studying this entire system thoroughly, this is the first time that now, to get your deed written, you don’t need to go to a private deed writer. The government has appointed deed writers—a lawyer, a retired tehsildar, a patwari—who will write your deed. It will cost ₹550. You pay it right here, and there’s no need to go anywhere else.”
He asserted that the deed will be written on-site. After the deed is written, you pay the registration fee, and right then you will receive a message saying your documents and fee have been submitted.
The AAP Chief explained the new transparent and time-bound objection process. “Within 48 hours, any objections to your deed will be communicated. The sub-registrar has 48 hours. They cannot just raise random objections now. On the platform, there are only 8–10 types of objections listed. They must pick one from those. Whatever objection is raised, a copy of it goes to the Deputy Commissioner (DC), who has to review all the day’s cases to ensure no false objections have been made,” he said.
He added that objections must be raised all at once within 48 hours. If a false objection is made, the DC will verify it. You will receive a WhatsApp message saying that if you feel your objection is unjustified, click this link and report it to the DC—and that officer will be suspended.
Arvind Kejriwal further added, “Now, no one dares to raise baseless objections. Most people aren’t facing any objections at all because the process is simple—fill in who the buyer is, who the seller is, for how much the property is being bought and sold, and pay the fee. That’s it. It’s not rocket science.”
Describing the improved citizen experience under the new system, the AAP Supremo stated that after this, you are given an appointment for a specific date and time. On that day, both the buyer and seller appear, get their photos taken, and the deed is completed.
He shared, “We met a few people today whose work was done. The happiness on their faces says it all. Earlier, anyone coming out of the Tehsildar’s office looked completely drained—you could see it on their faces. Today, you see smiles. That shows the system has changed.”
Arvind Kejriwal highlighted a major reform—eliminating the monopoly of local offices and empowering citizens to choose any sub-registrar. He said, “Earlier, you had to go to the sub-registrar or tehsildar of the area where the property was located. That led to monopolies and bullying—people had no choice but to deal with that one person. Now, you can go to any sub-registrar. If one officer is corrupt, go to another.
“This will also help the government identify the honest officers. The sub-registrars who attract more citizens will be recognized as efficient, and those who receive fewer people should be investigated—either they are misbehaving or something shady is going on,” he added.
Explaining the trial phase of the reform in Mohali, Arvind Kejriwal said, “There are seven sub-registrars in Mohali district, and you can go to any one of them. I believe this is a truly historic day. This pilot project has been running for the past 15 days in Mohali. It was a soft launch—we didn’t tell anyone. We wanted to observe how common people were treated on ordinary days, not just on days when the Chief Minister or I visited.”
He shared that based on the feedback and any necessary tweaks, we have made the improvements. The Mohali system is now running well. “By July 15, this will be implemented across Punjab. From July 15 to August 1, it will be in a trial phase across the state. And from August 1 onwards, this new system will be fully operational throughout Punjab,” announced the AAP Chief.
Arvind Kejriwal concluded by stating, “I believe the day will come when the entire country learns from Punjab, and this system is implemented in every tehsil office across India. I want to heartily congratulate the people of Punjab, all Punjabis, for this earth-shaking systematic change.”
Launch of ‘Easy Registry’ system is another major step towards a corruption-free Punjab: Bhagwant Mann
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said that a new system has been launched today. “Now, people can download the registry draft directly from the portal. By visiting the website, they can access pre-made drafts. They just need to enter the collector rate and the specific land number. They can prepare the copy from home and send it in. Within an hour, the process will begin,” he stated.
Bhagwant Mann added, “If there is any objection, the Deputy Commissioner will keep an eye on it. If there is no issue, people can also go to the Seva Kendra to get the registry completed. There, a lawyer and a retired patwari will be present. Earlier, people didn’t know where to go for the registry. They would run around, often misled by agents. That won’t happen anymore. The entire system has now gone online. People will meet just two officials who will be consistently available and punctual. Earlier, the process took one and a half to two months, but now, in Mohali, anyone can go to any officer. The verification system is such that no fake document can get through.”
The Punjab CM said that if any wrong document is approved or escapes scrutiny, responsibility will be fixed. “No incorrect registry will be allowed. Only the mandated fee will be charged—no extra fees. A link will also be generated, which will directly reach the Deputy Commissioner. We had made a promise—to ensure a corruption-free Punjab—and today we have taken the first step towards fulfilling that guarantee.”
“Many had said that our clean policies wouldn’t work, but we have proven that it is possible. We had tried in Delhi too. There, the Centre held all powers, yet we delivered. In Punjab, democracy and the dignity of citizens are our top priority. The system we have launched will save people’s time. Earlier, people would roam here and there, but now everything is online and transparent. Our aim is that no person in Punjab should face any inconvenience. Facilities at Seva Kendras have been enhanced so that people can easily get their registry work done. This is part of our guarantee to rid Punjab of corruption,” he emphasised.
Bhagwant Mann said that this entire system has been created to ensure that no wrongdoing takes place. “The Deputy Commissioner will monitor every registry. Our link directly reaches the DC, so that nothing fishy can happen. This is part of our vision for a corruption-free Punjab. Earlier people said this wasn’t possible, but we have made it happen. This project, which began today in Mohali, will run as a 15-day trial. If it is successful, it will be implemented across Punjab.”
Leading Alternative Politics for a Better India 
it can’t get any better aft
