NOIDA: Following a recent strike by deed writers in Greater Noida who claimed that the state’s e-registration initiative threatened their jobs, the registration department has released an order clarifying that the online system will apply only to specific property transactions.
On June 12, the state inspector general of registration clarified that e-registration was not introduced for all property documents, countering the widespread belief post the June 4 rollout announcement.
The clarification arrives amidst protests from deed writers and document scribes, who fear that a fully digital registration process may render their services obsolete and result in job losses. Previously, the state maintained that the initiative aimed to simplify registration, reduce paperwork, and enhance transparency for government housing and industrial projects.
Deed writers and advocates at registry offices in Greater Noida, Dadri, and Jewar suspended work and initiated an indefinite strike on June 10 to protest the government’s move towards e-registration. The registration process saw disruptions on June 11 and 12.
“Our primary concern is not about digitalization, but our livelihood. If property buyers can register online, they will stop visiting registry offices, leaving deed writers and advocates with no work. This is why we protested and sought changes to the order,” stated Mahesh Bhati, president of the Advocate and Deed Writers Welfare Association.
The revised guidelines limit e-registration to deeds executed by government or semi-government agencies under the Uttar Pradesh Online Registration Rules, 2024, and only apply to first transfer deeds under approved schemes and authorized documents. Secondary transactions between private parties are not included.
“The e-registration system is not expected to negatively impact advocates and deed writers. Government-executed transactions are significantly less than private ones. For instance, in Gautam Budh Nagar, the first transfers from YEIDA will use the e-registration system, but a homebuyer purchasing a flat from a builder will continue with the conventional process,” explained Brijesh Kumar, assistant inspector general-2 (Greater Noida).
Agencies included in this framework are Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway industrial development authorities, along with the UP Housing and Development Board, Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority, Lucknow Development Authority, and Varanasi Development Authority. Registration officials have been instructed to assist the public, advocates, and deed writers to mitigate any confusion about the implementation.
The strike has not yet been terminated, with Bhati asserting, “A decision will be made on Monday. We believe the government will ultimately expand e-registration to encompass all property transactions.”
