Patna: In a major step towards digital governance, the state govt is set to introduce a fully paperless property registration system, a significant reform aimed at simplifying land and property transactions across the state. The initiative, which has already received cabinet approval, is expected to substantially improve transparency, efficiency and ease of property-related transactions for citizens.The new rules will pave the way for the implementation of a comprehensive digital registration framework. Once rolled out, buyers and sellers will no longer need to carry bulky files or submit physical documents at registration offices. Instead, the entire process, from document verification and scrutiny to final registration, will be conducted online.Under the proposed system, property transactions will be completed using digital signatures of buyers, sellers and authorised officials. Consent-based Aadhaar authentication and OTP verification will be used to confirm the identity and approval of both parties before the transfer of property is finalised through e-signatures.Highly placed sources in the prohibition, excise and registration department said the initiative forms part of the state’s budget announcements and is currently in the final stage of implementation. The project is expected to be launched later this month, after which it will be rolled out in phases across Bihar’s 145 registration offices.Given the size of the state, implementation will take place in eight to 10 phases, with the first phase scheduled for completion by the end of this month. Necessary amendments to service provider rules will also be made, and training programmes will be organised for all stakeholders involved in the registration process.According to department officials, Bihar has been using software-assisted land registration since 2006. However, the new paperless system is expected to significantly enhance transparency, efficiency and security while minimising the possibility of duplication and fraud.The govt has also made substantial progress in digitising historical records. More than two crore registration documents dating from 1995 to 2026 have already been digitised, with the remaining records expected to be converted soon.
