Kannur: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday announced that the state government is preparing to roll out a series of new initiatives, including the use of blockchain technology, to further strengthen the security, transparency, and reliability of land transactions in the state. The proposed reforms are part of a broader effort to modernise governance systems and ensure that essential public services are delivered efficiently, transparently, and directly to citizens without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Speaking after inaugurating the annual Registration Department Day celebrations and the award distribution ceremony for best-performing offices at Azhikkode, the chief minister said the government’s overarching goal is to make public services accessible at citizens’ doorsteps, eliminating the need for repeated visits to government offices. He emphasised that technology-driven solutions will play a central role in this transformation.

Among the key initiatives in the pipeline is the proposed adoption of blockchain technology in land and property registration. According to Vijayan, blockchain can significantly enhance the security of land records by creating tamper-proof, transparent, and verifiable digital trails of ownership and transactions. Alongside this, the government plans to introduce scientific and technology-based methods to identify and eliminate fake documents, forged deeds, and duplicate registrations, which have historically posed challenges to land administration in many parts of the country.

The chief minister noted that the choice of Azhikkode as the venue for the celebrations carried special significance, as it is home to Kerala’s first registration office. Holding the event at this historic location, he said, symbolised both the long legacy of the Registration Department and its evolution to meet the demands of a modern, digital society.

Vijayan highlighted that over the years, the state has undertaken major reforms in the Registration Department, transforming it into a more transparent, efficient, and citizen-friendly institution. He described the department as a cornerstone of Kerala’s development, pointing out that it not only serves as a significant source of government revenue but also plays a vital role in safeguarding citizens’ property rights and providing legal certainty in land and asset ownership.

“The Registration Department interacts with the public on a daily basis. This constant engagement places a special responsibility on the government to ensure that its offices function efficiently, honestly, and transparently,” Vijayan said. He added that the department’s performance over the past decade reflects Kerala’s broader push towards a corruption-free, people-oriented administration.

According to the chief minister, many of the difficulties that once plagued property registration—such as repeated office visits, procedural delays, lack of clarity, and dependence on middlemen—have been largely addressed through systemic reforms and digitisation. Online services, simplified procedures, and clearer guidelines have reduced opportunities for corruption and made the process more accessible to ordinary citizens.

Vijayan reiterated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption in any form. He said strong administrative measures and continuous monitoring have sent a clear message that unethical practices will not be tolerated. This commitment, he noted, has helped restore public trust in the registration system and improved overall service delivery.

The chief minister also drew attention to several changes implemented to make sub-registrar offices more citizen-centric. These include streamlined property registration procedures, better infrastructure, and the use of digital platforms to reduce paperwork and processing time. Such measures, he said, are aligned with Kerala’s vision of progressive governance and have positioned the Registration Department as a model for other states to follow.

“Kerala is witnessing a series of progressive reforms that are setting benchmarks at the national level. The Registration Department has consistently kept pace with these changes and adapted to new challenges,” Vijayan observed.

Beyond land and property matters, the chief minister highlighted reforms aimed at promoting social justice and inclusivity. He said the government has focused on ensuring equal justice for transgender persons and marginalised communities, including simplifying procedures related to marriage registration and other civil services. As part of this effort, notices under the Special Marriage Act have been made available online, enhancing transparency and making the process more accessible while safeguarding individual rights.

Vijayan also linked the department’s reforms to the state’s broader social objectives, particularly the goal of eliminating landlessness. He said the government has extended stamp duty concessions to economically weaker sections to support land registration and house construction. These measures are intended to reduce financial barriers for poor families and help them secure legal ownership of land and housing.

The chief minister praised the role played by the Registration Department in the successful implementation of the LIFE Mission housing scheme, a flagship initiative aimed at providing safe and dignified housing to the homeless. He commended department staff for ensuring the speedy and hassle-free registration of documents under the scheme, which has been crucial in meeting project timelines and delivering benefits to eligible families.

In addition to its service delivery role, Vijayan pointed out that the department’s efficiency is reflected in its strong performance in tax and fee collection. He noted that there has been a steady year-on-year increase in revenue, underscoring the link between transparent administration, public trust, and improved financial outcomes for the state.

Concluding his address, the chief minister said that the proposed introduction of advanced technologies such as blockchain marks the next phase of reform in Kerala’s land administration system. By combining technological innovation with strong governance principles, he said, the state aims to create a land registration framework that is secure, transparent, inclusive, and fully aligned with the needs of a modern society.

Vijayan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuous improvement, stating that reforms in the Registration Department will remain an ongoing process. “Our objective is not only to improve systems but to ensure that every citizen feels confident that their rights are protected and that public institutions work in their interest,” he said.