Pune: Property buyers in the city can expect a quicker turnaround on registration work, with the state property registration department introducing a performance grading system across all 27 sub-registrar offices in Haveli taluka from Sept onwards. The initiative aims to ensure that original registered documents are handed back to citizens the same day, ending long-standing complaints about delays, said officials. The system will monitor key services daily, including document registration, scanning, e-registration of leave-and-licence agreements, notices of intimation, and the new e-Seal digital signature for scanned PDFs. Each office will be graded on efficiency, with points awarded for prompt service and deducted for lapses. “Despite digital upgrades, delays continued. The new system enforces accountability and defines responsibilities,” said joint district registrar (Pune city) Santosh Hingane. He added that rankings will be based on the functioning and efficiency of each office. For citizens, the biggest benefit is the assurance of same-day delivery of original papers. Many buyers have long complained of being asked to return the next day — or even later — because of slow scanning or staff unavailability. The new grading system links staff performance directly to service timelines. A recent circular issued by Hingane also makes punctuality mandatory. Sub-registrars must now log into the system at least five minutes before working hours. A delay of five to 10 minutes will lead to a deduction of 10 performance points, while registering a document even a day late will attract a penalty of 30 points. Officials said staff output will be continuously monitored based on task completion, punctuality, and adherence to digital protocols. “This will lead to timely service delivery while significantly reducing delays. Work efficiency will improve, and staff performance will be directly linked to the quality and speed of their output,” Hingane said. The move follows years of complaints about inefficiencies at registrar offices, including long queues, slow processing, outdated scanning practices, and inconsistent availability of digitally signed agreements. Officials said the grading system is being rolled out in Pune as a pilot and will later be expanded statewide. Citizens’ groups cautiously welcomed the initiative. Activist Shrikant Joshi told TOI, “This is a good move, but additional features should be added. For example, bedridden patients should get home-visit services. Also, many old documents are still pending. Between 1985 and 1995, original documents were prepared after one-and-a-half years. Though some of these records are now uploaded online, several remain uncleared and should be prioritised.” He also pointed out that while some registrar offices already hand back documents within an hour, uniformity is lacking across the system. “All offices should follow the timeline. Citizens should not have to depend on luck to get their papers quickly,” Joshi added.
