Coimbatore Document Writers Protest Against Faceless Registration System

On November 6, 2026, approximately 600 document writers from Coimbatore district gathered to protest against the [Tamil Nadu](/tamil-nadus-bess-policy-aims-to-slash-high-power-purchase-costs) government's recent decision to implement a faceless registration system through the establishment of Model Registration Hubs (MRHs). This protest, organized by the Tamil Nadu Document Writers’ Association, highlights the growing concerns regarding job security and the potential impact on the livelihoods of document writers across the state.

The protestors voiced their discontent over the government's HUB E-Tender process, which they believe will lead to the privatization of the Registration Department and ultimately jeopardize their jobs. Kannappan, a document writer from Coimbatore, expressed the fears of many in the profession: "If the government goes ahead with these privatization plans, all of us will lose our jobs."

The Tamil Nadu government recently approved the establishment of MRHs, which are designed to allow citizens to register property documents and marriages at any hub of their choice, irrespective of the jurisdiction of local Sub-Registrar Offices. This initiative aims to streamline the registration process and enhance accessibility for citizens. However, document writers argue that this system undermines their role in the registration process and threatens their livelihoods.

According to official records reviewed by DotMR, there are approximately five lakh document writers across Tamil Nadu, with around 5,000 operating in Coimbatore district alone. The introduction of MRHs is perceived as a direct threat to their profession, as it could eliminate the need for traditional document writers in the registration process.

The economic ramifications of the MRH initiative are significant. Document writers typically charge fees for their services, which include drafting and submitting various legal documents. With the introduction of a faceless registration system, these writers fear that their income will be drastically reduced or eliminated altogether.

Kannappan further elaborated, "We have families to support, and this new system will take away our means of livelihood. We are not against modernization, but we want the government to consider our situation before implementing such drastic changes."

The protestors have announced that they will not engage in any registration work on November 10 and 11, as a show of solidarity against the government's decision. This planned work stoppage is expected to disrupt the registration process in Coimbatore and potentially across the state, as document writers play a crucial role in facilitating property and marriage registrations.

As the protests unfold, the Tamil Nadu government has yet to respond officially to the concerns raised by the document writers. The lack of communication from the government has left many in the profession feeling marginalized and unheard.

In light of the protests, some government officials have indicated that they are open to discussions with the document writers to address their concerns. However, no formal meetings have been scheduled as of now. The document writers are urging the government to reconsider the implementation of the MRH system and to engage in meaningful dialogue to find a solution that protects their livelihoods while also modernizing the registration process.

The future of document writers in Tamil Nadu hangs in the balance as the government pushes forward with its plans for a faceless registration system. The protests in Coimbatore are just the beginning of what could become a larger movement among document writers across the state.

With the potential for job losses looming, many document writers are calling for a reevaluation of the MRH initiative. They argue that while modernization is essential, it should not come at the expense of those who have dedicated their lives to this profession.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the protests and whether any changes will be made to the proposed registration system. The document writers of Tamil Nadu are determined to make their voices heard, advocating for their rights and the preservation of their livelihoods in the face of significant change.