Punjab government takes historic step to reform land registration

LAHORE: Transparency in the land record and registration system will finally be introduced because of the historic decision made by the Punjab government.

In a major step, the government has withdrawn major powers from “patwaris” pertaining to the documentation of the sale and transfer of properties.

The decision, formalized through a notification by the Board of Revenue, Punjab, represents a major stride towards simplification and modernization of the process.

New Power Structure for Patwaris

Patwaris will only have limited powers concerning land record maintenance, the collection of revenue, and the provision of judicial records under the new policy.

Their powers to deal in the sale and transfer of land have been totally taken away so that property transactions are more transparent and accountable.

The New Land Transaction Process in Punjab

Consequent upon this decision, henceforth, the following procedures will be followed in the case of land transactions:

1. Application Process: Applicants will now get the land sale document (Fard-e-Bay) from the Arazi Record Center or the e-Facility Center.

2. Stamping: The applicant will go to an official stamp vendor after receiving the document for formal registration.

3. Submission before Tehsildar: All the required documents, inclusive of a registered deed, shall be submitted to the Tehsildar.

4. Approval for Registration: The Tehsildar will approve the registration on the same day once all the legal requirements are met.

5. Witness Requirement Removed: The witness requirement during registration is gone to further ease the process.

“No mutation shall be entered of sanctions based on oral transaction, statement, or claim, except in cases of inheritance. Mutations relating to inheritance shall continue to be sanctioned in accordance with law.

Mutation relating to transfer of rights in land shall be entered and sanctions only based on a duly registered instrument as required under The Registration Act, 1908 (XVI Of 1908), need with Sections 3, 54, 59, 118 and 123 of the Transfer of Property Act 1882 (Act IV of 1882) in cases of sale, mortgage, exchange and gift, except inheritance.

“All Revenue Officers and officials shall ensure strict compliance with these directions. Any violations shall entail disciplinary action under the relevant rules.