KANNUR: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Sunday that the state government is planning numerous initiatives, including the application of blockchain technology, to enhance the security of land transactions.
The chief minister emphasized the government’s goal to deliver comprehensive services directly to citizens’ homes, minimizing the need for office visits.
“We have several initiatives in the pipeline, such as utilizing blockchain technology to secure land transactions further and employing scientific methods to eliminate fraudulent documents and duplicate registrations,” he stated.
Vijayan shared these insights after inaugurating the annual Registration Department Day celebrations and recognizing the top-performing offices at Azhikkode. He noted that hosting the event at the site of the state’s first registration office added special significance.
The chief minister remarked on the major reforms implemented in the Registration Department, which have made property registration more transparent, efficient, and accessible to citizens.
“The Registration Department is pivotal to Kerala’s growth, serving not just as a significant revenue source for the government but also by safeguarding citizens’ property rights and legal security,” he added.
Vijayan highlighted the department’s ongoing engagement with the public and reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and efficiency in its operations.
In the last decade, the department has become a model in Kerala’s journey toward a corruption-free, citizen-centered administration.
He pointed out that outdated practices compelling citizens to make repeated office visits and depend on middlemen for property registration have been largely eradicated.
The government has assured that any form of corruption will not be tolerated.
The chief minister also discussed reforms that have made sub-registrar offices more accommodating, including significant updates to property registration processes.
“Kerala is experiencing progressive reforms that can serve as a national model, and the Registration Department is adapting to these advancements,” he expressed.
He noted the government’s focus on ensuring equal justice for transgender individuals and marginalized communities, alongside streamlining services such as marriage registration.
Online notices under the Special Marriage Act have been introduced to enhance transparency throughout the process.
As the state strives to eliminate landlessness, the government has extended stamp duty concessions for land registration and home construction to low-income families.
Vijayan commended the department staff for their efforts in facilitating efficient and seamless document registration under the LIFE Mission housing scheme.
He emphasized that the department’s effectiveness in tax collection is evident through a consistent year-on-year revenue increase.
