VFS Global, in consortium with WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., has secured a five-year contract from the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) and Controller of Stamps under the Government of Maharashtra to establish 60 Model Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) across Maharashtra in a phased manner.
The initiative aims to streamline and digitally transform property registration services into a faster, more transparent and citizen-centric system.
Under the project, the consortium will undertake the end-to-end setup of the model offices, deploying digital infrastructure and trained service delivery teams to modernise property registration services across the state. The centres will feature fully air-conditioned facilities, spacious waiting lounges with Wi-Fi connectivity, digital processing systems and trained executives to assist citizens. Additional amenities, including refreshments and water dispensers, will also be available.
Ravindra Binwade, Inspector General of Registration (IGR), Government of Maharashtra, said, “The Model Office Concept is a strategic initiative designed to address the persistent bottlenecks in the current property registration system. For years, citizens have grappled with long queues, overcrowded Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs), and a lack of premium ambience. To tackle these challenges, the department is trying a solution, i.e., ‘Model Sub-Registrar Office’, and is establishing 60 dedicated Model Sub-Registrar Offices. These facilities will remain under strict government control and be staffed by departmental officials to ensure regulatory integrity, while specifically aiming to reduce the crowded atmosphere found in traditional offices. To elevate the user experience, these model offices will feature enhanced service facilities and upgraded infrastructure, managed in partnership with a specialized agency. This hybrid approach combines government oversight with modern operational efficiency to ensure smooth, high-quality transactions. Importantly, these offices are entirely optional; citizens retain the flexibility to choose between the state-of-the-art environment of a model office or the standard services of a regular SRO, allowing for a more personaliSed and streamlined registration process. These offices will be governed strictly by the department only.”
Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head – Business Development, VFS Global, said, “This initiative marks a transformative milestone in governance reforms and represents a significant leap towards more accessible, efficient, and transparent public services in Maharashtra, driven by technology and modern service delivery. We are grateful to the Government of Maharashtra for its forward‑looking vision in reimagining citizen services through technology‑enabled transformation. Winning this mandate is a major step forward for VFS Global in the Citizen Services space in India, building on our proven experience in delivering large‑scale, secure government services globally. Beyond modernising property registration, the project will also contribute meaningfully to the local economy through the creation of employment opportunities and the development of skilled service delivery teams across the state.
He added, “As governments increasingly partner with us across adjacent citizen services, from verification and attestation to education, medical testing, and large citizen service centres, we remain committed to building a sustainable, technology‑led business that delivers secure, citizen‑centric services at scale. We will continue to work closely with governments to strengthen the bond between citizens and public institutions through trusted, modern, and future‑ready public services.”
As a technology-enabled public services partner, VFS Global provides citizen services on behalf of 10 client governments across 10 countries. The company recently expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of CiX Citizen Experience, a Brazil-based provider of digital and physical citizen services focused on AI and data-driven platforms.
The integration of CiX’s digital capabilities with VFS Global’s global infrastructure is expected to support the delivery of next-generation citizen service solutions for governments and institutions worldwide.
