Aadhaar verification is now mandatory for all persons involved in property document registration across Maharashtra, with the Registration and Stamps Department ending the option of providing an identifier instead. The online verification facility has been introduced in the I-SARITA 1.9 system from Wednesday, November 4, according to a report by Pudhari – Pune.
The new requirement applies to all relevant participants in the registration process. The department has introduced it to curb irregularities involving the use of impersonators or fake individuals during document registration. Once verification is successfully completed, the document registration process can proceed.
Aadhaar authentication was previously carried out using fingerprints. Under the updated process, iris scanning is available when fingerprints do not match or cannot be verified successfully. The department has also provided face verification through the official Aadhaar application as an alternative route for citizens who face difficulties with biometric authentication.
The face-verification option requires citizens to have a smartphone running Android 9 or later, or iOS 16 or later. The device must have an active internet connection and a functioning camera. Before visiting the registration office, users must complete Aadhaar-based registration, SIM verification and face verification in the official Aadhaar application. They must also be able to access the application using its registered six-digit passcode.
Citizens whose Aadhaar biometric details are locked must unlock them when required for authentication. The department has advised applicants to download the application and complete the necessary registration before arriving at the office, check their internet connection and ensure that their phone has sufficient battery. The Aadhaar holder must be physically present with their own mobile phone during verification.
The process is completed in four stages. First, a code is generated on the computer at the document registration office. The citizen scans that code through the Aadhaar application and provides consent for face verification. The verification result is then displayed immediately on the office computer. If the authentication is successful, officials can continue with document registration.
The department has also instructed staff to obtain the required consent during the verification process. The move shifts property registration further towards identity-linked digital authentication, while placing new preparation requirements on citizens before they reach registration offices. Applicants who do not have the required smartphone, connectivity or completed Aadhaar application setup may need to resolve those issues before their transaction can be processed.
