Telangana Pushes Back Against Centre’s Registration Bill

The Telangana government has strongly objected to key provisions in the Centre’s draft Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2025, voicing serious concerns over its impact on state revenues and administrative control. The draft proposes a cap on registration charges and makes online registration mandatory for various documents, including General Power of Attorney (GPA) and wills. Telangana leaders argue that such central control infringes upon the state’s right to determine stamp duty rates, a crucial revenue source contributing over ₹15,000 crore annually to the exchequer.

Further, the state government fears that making GPAs and wills publicly accessible online could lead to privacy violations and potential misuse. Officials also stress that the proposed online-only system eliminates vital in-person verifications that help prevent fraud and ensure authenticity in transactions. Telangana is urging the Centre to revise the bill, emphasizing the importance of fiscal federalism and the need for flexibility in implementing technology while preserving procedural safeguards at the state level.