Property registrations in Noida have slowed down significantly after the implementation of mandatory Aadhaar-based biometric verification across Uttar Pradesh. In just five days, more than 100 registries have reportedly been delayed due to authentication failures.
Under the new Online Document Registration Rules, buyers, sellers and witnesses must undergo real-time Aadhaar authentication at sub-registrar offices through fingerprint or iris scans, along with electronic KYC checks. Officials say around 30 to 35 property registrations are being held up daily in the district.
Elderly Applicants Among the Worst Affected
A major portion of the delays is being attributed to fingerprint mismatches, especially among senior citizens.
Officials and registry facilitators explained that fingerprints of elderly individuals often fail to match Aadhaar records due to fading ridges over time. Many applicants were unaware of the stricter verification requirement and arrived expecting their registry to be completed in a single visit.
In several cases, even when buyers and witnesses clear verification, a single biometric failure halts the entire registration process. Since manual override is not permitted under the system, the registry cannot proceed until authentication succeeds.
Limited Relief Through OTP System
Authorities have clarified that in exceptional situations, a one-time password (OTP) verification system may be used, provided additional identity documents are submitted. However, this is not a blanket exemption and is being allowed only temporarily until iris authentication becomes fully operational.
Officials confirmed that biometric machines have been installed at all sub-registrar offices and authentication is directly matched with Aadhaar records through the UIDAI portal.
Government Says Rule Introduced to Curb Fraud
The registration department defended the move, stating that stricter verification was introduced after several instances of property fraud and impersonation surfaced in recent years.
However, registry facilitators say the transition has created practical challenges, particularly in high-volume districts like Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad, where more than 1,100 property registrations take place daily.
Authorities have acknowledged the inconvenience and said a technical solution is being explored. Until then, applicants facing authentication issues may have to revisit sub-registrar offices and reschedule appointments.
Impact on Real Estate Activity
The delays have also raised concerns among property dealers and legal advisors, who warn that prolonged disruptions could affect transaction timelines, especially in peak buying periods.
For now, the stricter biometric verification rule has brought property registration activity under sharper scrutiny — but not without short-term hurdles for citizens.
