BBMP Launches E-Khata System to Simplify Property Registration in Bengaluru
In an attempt to simplify the property registration process and bring five lakh properties into the tax bracket, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced an online system for issuing e-khatas. This initiative is designed to benefit property owners who do not yet possess a manual ‘khata,’ allowing them to generate one online, thus eliminating the need to visit the municipal corporation office.
What is an E-Khata?
A khata is a vital document in Bengaluru that confirms a property owner’s legal rights to their property and ensures they are paying their due property taxes. Typically, this document is issued by the BBMP, the city's civic body. The manual khata was previously the only way for property owners to prove that their property was registered with the BBMP and taxes were duly paid. However, many homeowners face challenges in acquiring this document due to bureaucratic delays or non-compliance with municipal building bylaws.
Streamlining the Process
BBMP's new e-khata system has been introduced to streamline the registration process for an estimated five lakh properties, many of which were previously not registered due to complications such as illegal construction or deviations from sanctioned plans. By providing an online platform, the BBMP aims to expedite property registration and boost the city’s tax revenue collection.
Property owners who don’t have a khata, often face delays or difficulties due to having constructed their properties in violation of building bylaws or other legal shortcomings. The introduction of e-khata hopes to resolve these issues by offering a faster and more accessible way to register properties.
The key advantage of the e-khata system is that it allows homeowners to complete the process remotely, without having to visit BBMP offices, thus minimizing the harassment and long wait times reported by many citizens in the past. The initiative is also intended to promote transparency and ease of access, making the entire process simpler and more efficient for both homeowners and the municipal corporation.
How to Generate an E-Khata Online?
For property owners looking to generate their e-khata, the process is simple but requires the submission of some essential documents. Here's how to get started:
- Visit the Official BBMP Portal: Property owners must access the official BBMP portal (https://BBMP.karnataka.gov.in/NewKhata) where they can apply for an e-khata.
- Document Requirements: To apply for the e-khata, applicants need to upload several key documents:
- Aadhaar Number: This acts as proof of identity for the property owner.
- Sale or Registered Deed Number: This document proves the ownership and legality of the property.
- Property Photograph: A clear photograph of the property is required to verify its authenticity.
- Encumbrance Certificate: This certificate should cover the period from the property’s registration date to October 31, 2024. It verifies that the property is free of legal liabilities or encumbrances.
To assist property owners, BBMP has released a training video on YouTube that demonstrates the e-khata application process. The video serves as a useful resource for those unfamiliar with the procedure.
Challenges and Concerns
While the e-khata system offers significant advantages, it has not been without its challenges. In the months following the introduction of the new system, there have been reports of incomplete and inaccurate e-khata records. These errors have reportedly led to a significant drop in registrations, with some estimates indicating a 60% decrease in khata applications.
Many property owners have faced delays in their applications, and some have raised concerns over the accuracy of the system's data. BBMP officials have acknowledged these concerns and are working to address these issues as they arise.
Furthermore, there are concerns that the system may not fully accommodate properties that deviate from BBMP bylaws, such as unauthorized constructions or properties with irregularities in their documentation. However, BBMP has made it clear that the system is only applicable to properties that do not already have a khata and that any discrepancies in the documents or issues with building compliance could still result in delays or rejections of applications.
BBMP's e-khata system simplifies property registration in Bengaluru, allowing homeowners to generate khatas with ease. While this initiative reduces bureaucracy and promotes tax compliance, property owners must ensure their records are accurate and compliant with BBMP regulations.
