Telangana slot system delays property registrations
HYDERABAD: The slot booking system introduced for property registrations is causing delays and inconvenience to users across sub-registrar offices in Hyderabad.
Slot shortage forces buyers to wait up to 15 days
The government launched the slot system in June last year, promising registration within 15 minutes of booking. However, demand has surged on auspicious days, leaving many without slots.
Thousands compete for limited slots on favourable dates, with more than half failing to secure one. In contrast, on inauspicious days, several sub-registrar offices record no registrations.
In areas such as Vanasthalipuram, Narapally, Qutbullapur, Hayathnagar, Shamshabad, Gandipet, Serilingampally, Patancheru, LB Nagar, Uppal and Saroornagar, applicants are waiting 10 to 15 days for a slot.
Even booked slots see long delays at offices
Even those who secure slots face delays of several hours at offices. Staff shortages and late arrival of some sub-registrars slow the process.
In some offices, private individuals handle key parts of the registration process due to lack of staff. This leads to confusion over documentation and last-minute issues for users.
If registrations fail, buyers and sellers face difficulties in refunding stamp duty amounts running into lakhs of rupees.
Users demand unlimited slots, review of policy
Buyers and sellers say earlier they could visit offices directly and complete registrations without restrictions. Under the slot system, delays due to traffic or other reasons can lead to missed slots, with no option to reschedule the same day.
Earlier, sub-registrars processed 100 to 200 documents daily, often working till midnight. Now, users demand either scrapping the slot system or allowing unlimited slots.
They also seek faster refunds within 15 days if registrations are cancelled after payment of stamp duty and challans.
Users allege that the absence of regular officers, with many positions held on an in-charge basis, has worsened the situation. They also claim that the in-charge commissioner is not easily accessible, leading to lack of accountability.
Affected groups have urged the revenue minister to review the slot system and address the issues.
