Maharashtra Minister Orders Review of Discontinued Lease Registration Scheme

Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the State Revenue Minister of Maharashtra, has instructed the state registration and stamps department to reassess the recently discontinued Authorised Service Provider (ASP) scheme for online registration of leave and licence agreements. This review will evaluate the potential for reinstating the program, which was officially scrapped on August 28, 2023.

A senior official from the revenue department indicated that the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) will deliver an assessment of the demand for the ASP scheme’s reinstatement next week. The official noted that the matter would be revisited on Monday, with a comprehensive report to be submitted to Minister Bawankule for a final decision. “The issue was raised this week, and it would be properly assessed,” the official added.

Concerns Over Registration Process

The ASP scheme, operational since 2015, had empowered approximately 3,500 trained service providers throughout Maharashtra to facilitate the online registration of leave and licence agreements. These providers offered convenient services, charging INR 1,000 for doorstep registration and INR 700 for office-based services, taking care of all necessary biometric and technical formalities.

Following the discontinuation of the scheme, many citizens and property stakeholders have expressed significant concern. They argue that the change will complicate the online registration process, making it more time-consuming and costly. Previously, officials credited the ASP initiative with enhancing efficiency, reducing errors, generating additional revenue for the state, and creating employment opportunities for thousands of young people.

Despite these benefits, the government cited irregularities, complaints, and a general increase in technical literacy among the population as reasons for the ASP scheme’s termination. In response, the Association of Service Providers (ASP) has vehemently challenged these claims, branding them as “unsubstantiated and inconsistent with administrative and social principles.” Sachin Shingvi, president of the ASP, expressed hope regarding Minister Bawankule’s intervention. He remarked, “The ASP model not only increased state revenue but also created employment for thousands of youths. Instead of cancelling our licences, the government should have expanded the scheme to include new citizen services.”

Impact on Online Registration

The ASP association has also highlighted successful implementations of similar systems in other Indian states such as Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, which have ensured efficient public service delivery. Shingvi warned that without the ASPs, it could take the government 10–15 years to achieve the same reach that the association can currently provide in just one to two years.

A resident of Pune voiced frustration over the increased costs associated with legal services, stating, “I had to pay quite a few thousands to a lawyer just to renew my lease. A dedicated ASP with fixed service charges would help immensely.” Furthermore, the ASP association’s communication to the minister cited government data that indicated a sharp decline in online document registrations in the 2025–26 period following the discontinuation of the scheme, adversely affecting both convenience and state revenue.

As the registration department prepares to present its findings to the minister, officials have assured that all aspects, including service quality and security concerns, will be thoroughly evaluated. “Once the review is complete, a final decision will be taken,” a senior official confirmed.