Importance Of Linking Aadhaar For Property Registration

When it was announced that the government would link all Indian properties with Aadhar, the decision was considered a crucial one. This would lead to the creation of a central database of ownership for each and every property. This, in turn, would help in identifying whether a property owner is paying all taxes properly and whether his /her income justifies the ownership of a property. If it doesn’t, then the government has the right to confiscate the property as a benami one. Of course, the entire process of linking all properties with Aadhar would be time-consuming and will require the help of state governments.

Making Aadhaar Mandatory

Using Aadhaar card for property registration is a strategic move to curb the problem of black money in property deals. Aadhaar is an essential proof of identity from opening a bank account, getting a PAN Card to getting an LPG connection. The current government has massive plans to make Unique Identification Authority of India-based transactions mandatory in real estate dealings. All buyers and sellers must have a valid Aadhaar number for registration of property. The government is also planning to make amendments to Section 32 and 32A of the Registration Act

This would mean that any person who presents registration documents to sub-registrar of the state must undergo Aadhaar registration. The registration process involves a biometric technique where the property is transferred to the buyer after the provision of the Unique ID and other biometric details. In the second half of 2017, it was reported that the Aadhaar linked registration system was already in action on a pilot basis across many states of India. Local authorities were cross-verifying all proprietorship documents provided through online systems and they were also linking the documents with the unique Aadhaar number.

Aadhaar To Bring Ease Of Transactions

All sub-registrar services have been linked to Aadhaar servers so that it is easy to extract information during property registration. Moreover, as Aadhaar is already linked to bank accounts of individuals, it will significantly ease-out the process of purchase or sale of property, real estate transactions and securing home loans. However, what does a person do when s/he has lost the Aadhaar card or does not have one yet?

Misplaced/Stolen/Not Possessing Aadhaar

If you have lost or misplaced your Aadhaar card or number, there is no need to get a new one. All you have to do is visit your nearest Aadhaar center in your city and provide biometric details, identity proofs etc. You will be provided with the card with the same Aadhaar unique number. If you do not yet possess an Aadhaar card, you should apply immediately. However, it is also possible to go ahead with property registration without a permanent Aadhaar number through your temporary Aadhaar, which is basically the Aadhaar Enrollment ID, and register the property sale deed.

Getting Aadhaar- Why It Is Important

In case you don’t even have the temporary number, you have to apply for the card online and produce the acknowledgement receipt to the sub-registrar. Once you receive your Aadhaar card, you need to visit the office once again to get eKYC-verified. Very soon the government could make linking of all properties mandatory. It would be the “next big move” after demonetization and GST. Hence, it is advisable to have your Aadhaar card in place.