Kishanganj (Bihar): Bihar's land and property registration system went digital on Monday, August 17, with the implementation of a paperless registry system. However, the first day in Thakurganj, Kishanganj district, was marked by protests and confusion. The sub-registrar's office remained deserted due to a strike by scribes (katiyab), with no queues of people seeking registration.

Normally, the registry office is bustling from morning with people buying and selling land, along with scribes, stamp vendors, and document preparers. But on Monday, chairs in the office premises remained empty, public movement was limited, and the usual hustle and bustle were absent.

The government aims to make the registration process transparent, fast, and digital. Under the new system, processes like deed preparation, document verification, and fee payment will be conducted online, reducing reliance on paper and promoting electronic records. However, the new system's launch in Thakurganj was met with a strike. Scribes went on strike in protest against the digital system, disrupting normal activities at the registry office.

Scribes, who have traditionally prepared documents for years, are questioning their role and working methods in the new system. They state that there is no complete clarity regarding their role and technical aspects in the digital process. They are unwilling to start work until these issues are clarified. On Monday, some people visited the registry office to inquire about the new process, asking questions about digital registration and the role of scribes. Due to changes in the technical process, it is likely to take time for the general public to understand the new system in the initial days.

The government is touting paperless registration as a significant step towards digital governance, claiming it will secure records and simplify document verification. However, the situation on the first day in Thakurganj raises questions about how well stakeholders were prepared before implementing the new technical system. The focus now is on when an agreement will be reached between the government and the scribes, and when registration work in Thakurganj will return to normal.