Document writers’ strike fails to disrupt property registration services

The Stamps and Registration Department has continued to provide uninterrupted public services across the Visakhapatnam region, despite the ongoing strike by licensed document writers.Document writers have been on strike since July 21, protesting over privatisation, data privacy risk issues, and threats to their livelihoods. They have also demanded the withdrawal of G.O. Ms. No. 396 and have opposed the proposed public-private partnership (PPP) model for Registration Seva Kendras (RSKs).Speaking to The Hindu, Deputy Inspector General of the Department K. Manmadha Rao said that public service delivery had remained unhampered in all the 20 sub-registrar offices in the Visakhapatnam region, covering Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts.To prevent disruptions, the department has deployed additional computer systems and supplementary staff across key jurisdictions, he said.“The Visakhapatnam region, registers a volume of 120 and 150 documents daily. This translates into a substantial daily revenue of ₹3 crore to ₹3.5 crore for the State exchequer,” Mr. Rao said.Addressing concerns over the sector reforms and the ongoing strike, Mr. Rao said that the Registration Seva Kendras would improve administrative efficiency without privatising core government functions. He clarified that traditional workflows models would continue to coexist alongside digital interfaces to ensure effective public service delivery.Officials shared that the existing framework empowers citizens to complete property transactions independently without depending on document writers.“We urge property buyers to use official channels with confidence, and make use of the institutional mechanisms designed to safeguard public rights,” Mr. Rao added.Applicants can access services online by visiting the official portal, www.igrs.ap.gov.in, and select the standard document templates, fill in the public data entry forms and book the convenient time slots online.Individuals can then present their drafted documents at the designated registration centres or sub-registrar help desks for initial verification. Officials will subsequently complete e-KYC validation, photo capture, and stamp duty verification. Finally, the sub-registrar will authorise the transaction, completing the process and enabling immediate handover of the registered document.Another official said that citizens could directly access property registration and 10 other core services, thereby helping save money by avoiding document writer service fees.Officials added that the writers may call off their statewide strike any time, and noted a steady surge in usage of digital registration services. Published - July 27, 2026 08:32 pm IST