VFS Global‑led Consortium Wins Contract for 60 Model Sub-Registrar Offices in Maharashtra
A consortium led by VFS Global, along with WE Excel Software Pvt. Ltd., has been awarded a five-year contract by the Inspector General of Registration (IGR) and Controller of Stamps, Government of Maharashtra, for the establishment of 60 Model Sub-Registrar Offices (SROs) across the state.
The initiative is aimed at streamlining and digitally transforming property registration into a fast, transparent, and citizen-centric system. The rollout will be implemented in phases.
The consortium will be responsible for the end-to-end setup of Model Sub-Registrar Offices across Maharashtra, including deployment of digital infrastructure and service delivery teams. The centres are planned as technology-enabled facilities designed to improve service efficiency and turnaround times.
According to the project framework, each centre will include modern infrastructure such as fully air-conditioned premises, waiting lounges with Wi-Fi connectivity, digital systems for processing services, trained service delivery executives, and additional amenities including refreshments and water dispensers.
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, department is trying a solution i.e. “Model Sub-Registrar Office”, the department 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 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 personalized 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. 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.”
The centres will operate as optional service points, while existing government offices will continue to function.
VFS Global stated that as a tech-enabled public services partner, it combines infrastructure, operational expertise, and innovation to support governments in modernising citizen engagement and service delivery.
The company also noted its acquisition of CiX Citizen Experience, a digital and physical citizen services provider based in Brazil, as part of its expansion strategy. The acquisition focuses on transformation through digital technologies, including AI and data-driven platforms. VFS Global currently provides citizen services on behalf of 10 client governments in 10 countries.