Your House Will Get a Permanent 10-Digit Digital Identity: New System to End Changing House Numbers After Ward Reorganisation

A change in ward boundaries should not mean that homeowners have to deal with changing house numbers, updating multiple documents or correcting residential records. To address this long-standing problem, the government is planning a unified house numbering system that will give every home a permanent digital identity.

Under the proposed initiative, every house will receive a unique 10-digit identification number along with a QR code. The number will remain unchanged even if ward boundaries are reorganised, new residential areas are developed or administrative divisions are modified.

The Local Self-Government Department has decided in principle to introduce this system. The initiative aims to simplify property identification, improve government record management and make essential public services more efficient.

A Permanent Identity for Every House

Currently, house numbering is generally linked to the local self-government institution, ward number and the individual property's serial number within that ward.

Although this method helps local authorities identify residential properties, it can create problems whenever administrative boundaries change.

For example, if a municipality reorganises its wards, a house that previously belonged to one ward may become part of another. This can result in changes to its existing house number. Similar situations can arise when new houses are constructed, population increases or local administrative areas expand.

Such changes can create unnecessary complications for homeowners. Residents may have to update their addresses in various government records and service connections. It can also become difficult for authorities to match older property records with newly assigned house numbers.

The proposed unified system aims to eliminate this dependency on ward-based numbering.

Instead of assigning house numbers that can change with administrative boundaries, the government plans to introduce a permanent identification number for every property.

How Will the New 10-Digit Numbering System Work?

Under the proposed framework, each house will receive a unique 10-digit digital number.

The numbering structure will include identification codes for the local self-government institution and different geographical zones, along with a separate identification number for each house.

This will create a standardised system that allows authorities to identify properties more accurately.

One of the most important features is that the permanent house number will not need to change when a ward is reorganised.

For instance, if a residential property moves from Ward 12 to Ward 15 because of a boundary adjustment, its administrative ward details may change, but its permanent digital identification number will remain the same.

This approach could make property identification more consistent and reduce the paperwork associated with administrative changes.

The system is also expected to provide a common framework that can be used by different local self-government institutions.

QR Codes Will Connect Houses With Essential Services

Along with the 10-digit identification number, every house will receive a QR code containing information associated with the property.

The proposed QR-based system will connect household records with several essential services, making it easier for authorised officials to access relevant information.

The details linked to the QR code are expected to include:

• LPG gas connection information.
• Electricity connection details.
• Ration card-related information.
• Water supply connection details.
• The mobile phone number of the house owner.

By scanning the QR code, users with the appropriate access permissions will be able to retrieve the corresponding information.

This could reduce the need to search through multiple records maintained by different departments.

For example, if a government official needs to verify the identity of a particular residential property, the QR code could help retrieve its associated records through a single identification system.

It could also make it easier for local authorities to coordinate services and maintain accurate household databases.

However, the final implementation guidelines will determine exactly which information is accessible through QR codes and who will be authorised to view it.

Could It Improve Disaster Relief Operations?

Another important application of the proposed system could be disaster management.

During natural disasters such as floods, cyclones and landslides, government authorities need to identify affected households quickly and organise assistance.

However, inaccurate addresses, outdated house numbers and incomplete records can sometimes delay relief operations.

A permanent digital house identification system could help reduce these difficulties.

For example, when a particular locality experiences severe flooding, officials could use the digital database to identify residential properties in the affected area.

This information could support the distribution of food, drinking water, emergency supplies and financial assistance to affected families.

It could also help authorities coordinate information between different departments involved in emergency response.

By maintaining a consistent identification number for every property, the system could make household identification more reliable during both routine administration and emergency situations.

Information Kerala Mission Has Submitted a Model Project

The Information Kerala Mission has prepared a model project for introducing the unified house numbering system and submitted it to the government.

The project provides a proposed framework for implementing permanent digital identification numbers across local self-government institutions.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise local administration through digital technology.

Instead of maintaining property identification systems that depend heavily on changing ward boundaries, authorities want to establish a common digital framework that can remain consistent over time.

If implemented across local bodies, the system could also improve the accuracy of property-related information and make coordination between government departments easier.

What Does This Mean for Homeowners?

For homeowners, the proposed system could bring several practical benefits.

First, they would no longer have to worry about their house number changing whenever local authorities reorganise ward boundaries.

Second, connecting household information with a QR code could make property identification and verification more convenient.

Third, maintaining a common identification number could help reduce confusion between different government records and service providers.

However, the success of the initiative will depend on how effectively the government manages the digital database.

Authorities will need to ensure that property details remain updated, information from different departments is properly coordinated and residents can access the necessary services without technical difficulties.

Data privacy will also be an important consideration. Since the system may connect information about electricity, water, ration cards, LPG connections and mobile numbers, strong security measures will be necessary to prevent unauthorised access.

A New Approach to Property Identification

The proposed 10-digit digital house numbering system could bring a significant change to the way residential properties are identified and managed.

Its purpose goes beyond simply preventing house numbers from changing. By introducing permanent digital identities and connecting them with QR codes, the government aims to create a more organised system for managing household information and delivering public services.

For millions of residents, the biggest advantage could be simple but important: their house number will no longer depend on changing ward boundaries.

If the initiative is implemented successfully, every home could eventually have a permanent digital identity that remains consistent despite changes in local administration.