Summary of this article
GBA clears over 99% e-Khata applications
e-Khata enables fast, transparent digital property records
System reduces corruption and middlemen dependence
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has achieved a milestone in streamlining property documentation and digital governance by completing and disposing of more than 99.20 per cent of e-Khata applications. The e-Khata system is an electronic version of the traditional ‘khata’ system — property records that confirm ownership and are a vital step for paying property tax, securing loans, and conducting transactions related to property.
Ever since the launch of the e-Khata system, over 900,000 applications have been received so far. Prior to the introduction of the e-Khata system, the process of obtaining a Khata in Bengaluru was paper-based, tedious and time-consuming.
GBA special commissioner Munish Moudgil said that a vast majority of the applications have been processed and completed. Most applications were processed within a couple of days from the date of submission, a considerable improvement compared to the traditional processes, according to a report by the Hindustan Times.
The GBA’s reform to a digital space is aimed at eliminating the problems homebuyers face, and to create a more transparent and buyer-friendly experience.
Why e-Khata Matters
The key features that make the e-Khata system unique are that it is fully online and faceless. This provision allows applicants to submit documents, receive approvals, and download the certificates without ever visiting any government office.
The GBA has also cautioned people that the e-Khata system does not function through middlemen, so approaching them to speed up the process would be futile. This process also eliminates corruption since there is no interaction between the two parties.
Incidentally, the e-Khata is more than just a tax recording system. Without it, homeowners and potential buyers would struggle to secure loans, obtain building permits, or even sell the property. The traditional process has been criticised for the lack of transparency, delays, and high dependence on middlemen and unethical ways.
In this context, the e-Khata initiative is a vital part of a broader digital transformation in the real estate sector of Bengaluru, with the final aim being to integrate various property-related services onto one platform itself. This move streamlines the process for buyers by reducing loopholes, malpractices and builds public trust in government services.
Few Glitches
While the system has seemed to be encouraging, the transition hasn’t been a smooth one. Some property owners have reported glitches, mismatches in records, and delays. In some cases, applicants have found that corrections or clarifications were necessary before the platform can be made primary.
A Positive Step, Say Stakeholders
Despite the operational issues, stakeholders have broadly viewed the digital shift as a positive development as it modernises the property governance ecosystem.
The successful disposal of more than 99 per cent of applications is establishing a strong foundation for further reforms in urban administration. As the city integrates more services, property owners can expect more convenience and quicker processes for homeowners. For a start, the performance of GBA on the e-Khata front represents a significant development in governance switching to digital spaces.
