DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

In a decisive move to root out corruption from the registration of property deeds, the Punjab Government has issued strict directives to all Deputy Commissioners across the state. The Department of Revenue, Rehabilitation & Disaster Management has launched a state-wide initiative under the "Easy Registration Project," initially piloted in S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in land transactions.

In an official communication dated July 21, the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) has instructed Deputy Commissioners to hold immediate meetings with deed writers, typists, and property dealers operating in Tehsils. These stakeholders have been asked to report any incidents of bribery or corruption. The letter warns that any individual soliciting money in the name of government officers will face stringent legal action.

Further tightening the noose, Sub-Registrars and Joint Sub-Registrars have been directed to question executants during every deed registration about any bribes solicited from them. Registrants are to be informed that all legally payable fees are communicated in advance via WhatsApp and are available on the NGDRS (National Generic Document Registration System) portal through the pre-docket system.

As a proactive measure, district administrations have been instructed to conduct daily follow-up calls with at least five percent of registrants to verify whether any illegal gratification was demanded.

"In case any instance of corruption comes to your notice, strictest possible action under law should be taken under intimation to this office," the directive states. The government's latest move is seen as part of a push towards digitization and transparency in governance. By involving the public and tightening internal checks, the state aims to send a clear message that corruption in land dealings will not be tolerated.

(editor@dailyworld.in)