Maharashtra makes Aadhaar authentication mandatory for property registration services
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has decided to notify Aadhaar-based identity requirements for citizens seeking document registration services related to immovable properties in the state through the Registration and Stamps Department. A notification to this effect is likely to be issued within a day or two, state government sources said.
At present, although a copy of Aadhaar is sought while registering a property document, it is not mandatory for the purchaser or seller under the existing legal provisions. The proposed notification, to be issued under Section 7 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, will make Aadhaar authentication or proof of possession of an Aadhaar number a requirement for availing of the specified registration services. Individuals who have not yet been assigned an Aadhaar number will have to apply for enrolment.
The government said the measure is intended to establish beneficiaries’ identity, facilitate convenient delivery of services and reduce the need for multiple identity documents.
For those awaiting Aadhaar enrolment, the notification provides alternative procedures. Beneficiaries can use their enrolment identification number (EID), along with specified identity documents, until an Aadhaar number is assigned. For adults, accepted documents include an Election Commission voter identity card, ration card, passport, driving licence, certain government-issued identity cards, disability certificates and other specified documents.
Special provisions have been prescribed for children below 18 years who have not been assigned an Aadhaar number. Their identity can be established through an enrolment acknowledgement and documents such as a birth certificate, passport or recognised school certificate. Documents establishing the child’s relationship with a parent or legal guardian are also specified.
The notification also provides safeguards in cases where Aadhaar authentication fails. If one biometric mode does not work, another biometric method or OTP-based authentication is to be offered wherever feasible. Where biometric or OTP authentication is not possible, identity may be verified offline using an Aadhaar QR code or an Aadhaar Paperless Offline e-KYC document, subject to verification of its genuineness.
Importantly, the notification states that a child cannot be denied the benefit merely because Aadhaar authentication has failed or the child has only produced an Aadhaar enrolment application. In such cases, the child’s identity and relationship with the parent or legal guardian must be established through the prescribed procedure, with records maintained for periodic review and audit.
For adult beneficiaries, the department is also required to follow an exception-handling mechanism to ensure that genuine beneficiaries are not deprived of services because of difficulties with Aadhaar authentication.
The Registration and Stamps Department has been directed to facilitate Aadhaar enrolment or updating for beneficiaries who require it and to publicise the requirements widely through the media.
The notification will apply to registration services administered by Maharashtra’s Registration and Stamps Department.