Andhra Pradesh PPP Registration Seva Kendras Face Concerns
The Andhra Pradesh government’s proposal to establish Registration Seva Kendras under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model has drawn mixed reactions, with stakeholders raising concerns over privacy, accountability, and private involvement in property registration services.
The government said the proposed centres are intended to streamline registration services, improve transparency, and reduce dependence on intermediaries. However, stakeholders argue that transactions related to property purchases, wills, succession, and family settlements involve confidential information and should remain under the exclusive control of the Registration Department.
“The Registration Department has already implemented the Public Data Entry (PDE) system, which enables citizens to prepare documents without depending on document writers. Instead of creating a parallel system, the focus should be on strengthening the existing mechanism,” a stakeholder said.
Another concern relates to the proposed service fee of ₹2,000 for document preparation and related services, in addition to statutory registration charges.
“If the objective is to simplify registrations, adding another layer of charges may not be in the interest of citizens. The existing online system can handle document preparation efficiently,” another stakeholder observed.
Stakeholders also expressed concern that under the PPP model, private agencies would handle sensitive personal, financial, and legal information, raising risks to privacy and data confidentiality.
“Property registrations involve confidential financial and legal information. People may not be comfortable sharing such details with employees of a private operator. Adequate safeguards are needed to ensure confidentiality and prevent misuse,” a senior member of the real estate sector said.
Some stakeholders rejected comparisons between the proposed Seva Kendras and Passport Seva Kendras, saying the processes and responsibilities are fundamentally different.
“Passport Seva Kendras verify identity documents and biometrics before forwarding applications to the Passport Office. Property registration involves scrutiny of legal documents relating to assets worth several crores of rupees. The level of responsibility and confidentiality is much higher,” a legal expert said.
Questions have also been raised over the financial viability and structure of the proposed model.
“If a Seva Kendra processes around 50 documents a day, the operator could generate nearly ₹1 lakh daily through service charges alone. Greater clarity is needed on the PPP model, its functioning, and safeguards,” a stakeholder said.
Several stakeholders suggested the government consider operating the centres directly instead of outsourcing them.
“Assuming a Seva Kendra processes around 50 documents a day, the operator could generate nearly ₹1 lakh daily through service charges alone. There is a need for clarity on the revenue model, functioning, and safeguards,” another stakeholder said.
Infrastructure gaps in existing Sub-Registrar offices have also been highlighted. In the undivided Visakhapatnam district, 19 Sub-Registrar offices are functioning, of which 10 operate from rented premises. Stakeholders said strengthening existing offices should be the immediate priority, with upgrades in infrastructure and adequate equipment before introducing a new service delivery model.