The Tamil Nadu registration department, led by the minister of registration and commercial taxes P Moorthy, has taken steps to correct several anomalies, some of which involve government officials. Even though the registration department dealt with many sensitive issues, chief minister M K Stalin felt there was a disconnect between the public and officials. The first task was to close the gap and eliminate the need for middlemen and brokers. Collectors and other senior officials are seated at the same level as other employees. They rise and greet visitors. In the sub-registrar offices, too, having a people-friendly approach was critical. The most significant change was to the Registration Act of 1908. The inspector general of registration can now cancel forged documents. Previously, the sub-registrar had the option of simply referring it to the court for cancellation. It resulted in significant delays in resolving anomalies and fraudulent activities. To check for fake registrations, a new system has been implemented. Their licence and bar council registration may be revoked if it is discovered that they have registered fake documents. Officials who were involved in the fraud could face up to three years in prison. This is the first of its kind in the country. Such measures will aid in the detection of irregularities such as impersonation and the sale of the same property to multiple buyers. It's also crucial to register land based on the government's prescribed guideline value. The price of the land is raised above the guideline value if a person wants to get a loan based on it. All of these practises will be scrutinised now. Officials at all levels are involved in irregularities, they will be held accountable. There had previously been reports of large-scale irregularities. They will proceed with caution at this time. Image SourceAlso read: Delayed realty projects in India face procedural roadblocks now