The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has disposed of more than 99% of the e-Khata applications received since the launch of the digital property record system, marking a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to modernise municipal services and reduce citizen interface with local offices.
According to officials, the authority has received over nine lakh e-Khata applications, of which more than 99.2% have already been processed and disposed of. Special Commissioner Munish Moudgil said that the majority of applications are being cleared within an average time of two days from the date of submission.
The GBA said the high disposal rate demonstrates the efficiency of the fully digital workflow and the scalability of the e-Khata platform, which was introduced to replace the traditional paper-based Khata system. Officials emphasised that applicants no longer need to visit municipal offices or GBA counters for any Khata-related service.
The authority reiterated that the whole process of e-Khata is online, from submission to approval and verification. The citizens are advised not to use middlemen or agents, if there are any, that might facilitate the approval process for a fee, considering that there is no physical process required after submission. The GBA has also warned property owners not to give bribes, considering that all applications are through an automatic and clear system.
In order to help applicants, a helpline service has been established for clarification of doubts and removal of technical glitches. Owners can also check the status of their e-Khata applications through the official website by using the ePID number or the reference number of their application.
What is e-Khata
It is the digital form of the Khata Certificate, which is under the administration of the civic body. It is launched in October 2024 by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike and other civic bodies in order to provide property owners with a facility to apply for, download, and check the Khata Certificate from the civic body without visiting their office.
A Khata document holds important information such as ownership, geographical position, size, and tax evaluation details for properties. An important document required during payment of property tax, Khata services were digitalized to eradicate delays and give room for discretion in matters concerning property governance.
Link to Recent A-Khata Policy Decision
Another update regarding the e-Khata has rolled in on the heels of the recent decision by the Karnataka Cabinet regarding property regularization. It was on January 8 that the cabinet made the crucial decision regarding the A-Khata transfer for B-Khata property within the unauthorized layouts under the ULBs.
The new rule affects sites, buildings, flats, as well as apartments that previously fell under B-Khata because of the lack of necessary approvals for the layouts. The government has referred to the policy as an intervention that seeks to address the challenges that owners of property in the layouts experience.
Extent of A-Khata and B-Khata
A B-Khata is a record that is maintained for properties that do not completely meet norms. Such properties would be in unauthorized layouts, would be buildings constructed without sanctioned plans or buildings that have not received occupation certificates. Though these properties pay taxes, they are not completely legal and have restrictions on loans and transfers.
In contrast, an A-Khata is issued to properties that comply with all statutory requirements, including approved layouts and sanctioned building plans. A-Khata properties are legally valid for bank financing, transfers, trade licences, and redevelopment approvals.
According to experts on urban governance, the combination of the high disposal of e-Khata certificates and the effort to legitimize B-Khata properties could greatly help enhance the levels of transparency and confidence within the real estate sector in Bengaluru. However, they pointed out that the effectiveness of the program, among others, would depend on proper implementation measures.
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