CHENNAI: Citizens can now register property documents without carrying physical papers or visiting Sub-Registrar Offices, with the Registration Department launching STAR 3.0. Chief Minister MK Stalin launched the initiative, which introduces paperless registration services with
Project STAR, short for Simplified and Transparent Administration of Registration, was first introduced in 2000 on a pilot basis in 16 Sub-Registrar Offices. It was later extended across the State and gradually evolved into a comprehensive IT platform catering to public needs. The launch of STAR 3.0 marks the next phase of this digital transformation, with a strong focus on reducing human interface, ensuring transparency and speeding up service delivery.
One of the major reforms under STAR 3.0 is the introduction of paperless registration for all 30 deed types. Citizens are no longer required to carry physical documents to registration offices, making the process faster and more eco-friendly.
The Department has also rolled out presenceless registration for 10 categories of deeds, including sale deeds for the purchase of new apartments and plots. Under this system, citizens can complete the entire registration process online, without going to the Sub-Registrar Office. First-time buyers can complete registration at the builder or promoter office itself.
Presence-less services also allow applications to be submitted anytime and from anywhere, round-the-clock, including weekends and auspicious days, significantly enhancing convenience for the public.
Encumbrance Certificate services have been strengthened with advanced search options, allowing searches based on previous document numbers and revenue villages. Citizens can now apply for an Encumbrance Certificate at the present Sub-Registrar Office, even if the village fell under another office before, eliminating the need for multiple applications.
Another major improvement is the issuance of certified copies within minutes through server-side certification, replacing the earlier minimum waiting period of three days. Certified copies of legal and administrative orders, including adjudications, loan orders, memo orders and court orders, can also be downloaded online, easing interactions with banks and courts.
Fee payments have been made simpler through QR code-based digital payments, removing the need for cash transactions. The public can also create certain deeds without intermediaries through a four-step guided digital process.
End-to-end digital services have been introduced under the Apartment Ownership Act for filing and registration of declarations, bye-laws, apartment associations and federations. The citizen portal has been redesigned with a modern and user-friendly interface to improve ease of navigation.
A mobile application has also been launched, offering services such as guideline value search, Encumbrance Certificates, certified copies and token availability. Citizens will receive real-time updates on application and document status through WhatsApp notifications.
Additional measures include role-based Management Information System dashboards for departmental staff, presence-less registration for government properties handled by agencies such as TNHB and TNUHDB, and dual monitor facilities at registration offices enabling the public to view the registration process.
For resale apartments, the software has been modified to enable same-day return of documents without building inspection, provided details such as car parking and lift availability are included. Search facilities for marriage registration records have also been enhanced.
To support the expanded digital services, primary BSNL connectivity at Sub-Registrar Offices is being upgraded from 2 MBPS to 4 MBPS in 200 additional offices with high registration volumes.