5 Private-Run Property Registration Hubs to Open in August, One in Pune

Pune: The Maharashtra state registration department is set to launch the first five private model sub-registrar offices (SROs) in August, including one in Pune. Two SROs will be established in Mumbai, one in Navi Mumbai, and another in Nagpur. This marks the beginning of the department’s ambitious plan to establish 60 model registration centers across the state through public-private partnerships, while continuing operations at the existing 517 government-run registration offices.

The private operator has committed to starting the first five centers between August 1 and August 30, according to a senior official from the registration department. Initially, the target was set for July, but the project has been slightly delayed. Citizens opting for the model centers will have to pay an additional processing charge of up to Rs 5,217 per document. These model SROs are being developed on the lines of Passport Seva Kendras to improve the citizen experience through better infrastructure, technology, and support services.

The selected agency will be responsible for providing the necessary infrastructure, facility management, and support staff. However, the actual registration process, including the statutory powers and registration-related functions, will remain with government officials. “The private operator will manage the centers, but all statutory powers and registration-related functions will remain with the government officials. Regulatory control will remain entirely with the government,” another official stated.

The department plans to launch another 25 centers in high-registration districts, including Pune, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Nashik, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, in the second phase. The remaining 30 centers will be rolled out across other districts in the final phase.

The model SROs will feature fully air-conditioned premises, Wi-Fi-enabled waiting areas, digital document-processing systems, and trained service personnel to assist visitors. Additional facilities such as drinking water, refreshments, and organized waiting areas are also planned.

The rollout of private registration centers comes amid growing criticism of the condition of many existing registration offices. Citizens and activists have repeatedly pointed out issues such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, inadequate seating, and a lack of basic amenities. Mohan Joshi, a senior citizen, emphasized the need to improve existing offices. “Most sub-registrar offices still lack adequate drinking water facilities, seating arrangements, and clean toilets. Modern centers may improve service delivery, but the government should also focus on upgrading the infrastructure in regular offices, where the majority of citizens continue to go,” he said.

Pune’s Pushpa Chavan, who recently completed a property registration, shared similar sentiments. “The registration process is largely digital today, but the experience at many offices is traumatic because of long queues, cramped waiting areas, and poor sanitation. Citizens have been demanding better facilities for years. Upgrading the existing offices, too, should remain a priority,” she added.

These new centers aim to address the long-standing issues and provide a more comfortable and efficient registration experience for citizens.