The Uttar Pradesh Registration Department has implemented a new OTP-based system for land registrations to prevent fraud in property transactions. Buyers and sellers will now verify each transaction via mobile OTP, while agricultural land registrations will require village codes and Khatauni numbers, making fraudulent sales and forged documents nearly impossible.
How the New System Works
Under the new policy:
An OTP will be sent to the mobile numbers of both buyers and sellers before registration can proceed.
Agricultural land transactions must include the village code and Khatauni number, ensuring accurate documentation and verification of ownership.
The system targets districts with high complaints of Khasra-Khatauni fraud.
Currently, around 5 million registrations occur annually in Uttar Pradesh, with many cases of fake names, PAN, Aadhaar, and duplicate addresses being reported.
Common Methods of Fraud
Authorities highlighted how fraudulent land transactions occur:
A gang recently tampered with over 1,500 Aadhaar registrations, altering names, addresses, and birth dates.
Fake documents, including birth certificates and ration cards, were used to manipulate biometric data.
This allowed individuals to register property in someone else’s name, facilitating large-scale money laundering.
Step-by-Step Verification Process
The Registration Department has outlined clear verification steps:
Mobile OTP Verification: All buyers and sellers must authenticate transactions via a one-time password sent to their registered mobile numbers.
PAN Card Verification: The validity of the buyer’s PAN card will be verified on the NSDL website during registration.
Agricultural Land Verification:
Village code will be checked.
Khatauni records will be collected and cross-verified to confirm the legal status of the land.
These steps aim to eliminate fake names, forged documents, and unauthorized land registrations, strengthening property rights and curbing fraud in the state.
Impact and Significance
This new system is expected to:
Protect buyers and sellers from fraud.
Reduce misuse of fake PAN and Aadhaar details in land deals.
Ensure transparency and accountability in land registration.
Strengthen the fight against black money laundering through property transactions.
Officials believe the OTP-based registration system, combined with mandatory village codes and Khatauni numbers, will significantly reduce irregularities in Uttar Pradesh’s real estate sector.
