VFS Global‑led consortium wins major citizen services contract to drive technology‑enabled transformation of 60 Model Sub‑Registrar Offices
In a move to upgrade and digitise property registration services, VFS Global, along with We Excel Software, an Indian IT company, has secured a five-year mandate from the Government of Maharashtra to set up 60 Model Sub-Registrar Offices across the state in phases, aimed at making the process quicker, more efficient and user-friendly.
In a press statement, VFS Global says that, under the mandate, the consortium will handle end-to-end setup and operations of these centres, introducing advanced digital infrastructure and trained service teams to modernise service delivery.
According to the statement, new offices will offer faster turnaround times, digital processing, and improved customer experience through spacious, air-conditioned facilities, Wi-Fi-enabled waiting areas and dedicated assistance from trained executives, alongside basic amenities such as refreshments and water dispensers.
“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 ‘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,” says Ravindra Binwade, Inspector General of Registration (IGR), Government of Maharashtra.
“To elevate the user experience, these model offices will feature enhanced service facilities and upgraded infrastructure, managed in partnership with a specialised 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,” adds Binwade.
Jiten Vyas
“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,” says Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head – Business Development, VFS Global.
“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,” adds Vyas.
According to VFS, the centres will function as an optional service layer, with existing government offices continuing operations in parallel.
As a technology-enabled public services partner, VFS Global focuses on combining secure infrastructure, operational expertise, and innovation to support governments in enhancing citizen engagement and service delivery.
The statement adds that the company’s recent acquisition of CiX Citizen Experience in Brazil further strengthens its capabilities in digital and physical public services, integrating advanced technologies such as AI and data-driven platforms with its global infrastructure. VFS Global currently delivers citizen services for 10 client governments across 10 countries.