Table of contents
- Introduction
- About Khata
- Home Services
- How to Book Service
- Affordable and Accessible
- A Service with a Vision
- FAQs
Introduction:
Digitally non-proficient property owners in Bengaluru can now avail of the janasevakas’ service to apply for E-khatas from the comfort of their homes. The Karnataka government had launched its E-khata service last year, enabling property owners to apply for this crucial document online. However, many people, especially senior citizens who were not technologically well-versed, found it challenging to navigate the digital space.
In a major relief to such citizens, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has brought the E-khata service under the ambit of the Janasevaka programme, which was started in 2019 to provide doorstep delivery of government services.
About Khata
A khata is a legal document that authenticates ownership of property. It’s also important since it’s necessary to avail loans and for all property-related transactions, including sale.
In Bengaluru, there are two types of khatas: A-khata and B-khata. The former (A-Khata) signifies a property that’s legally approved by the BBMP. It is eligible for property tax and can also easily obtain building permissions for renovations or extensions. On the other hand, B-khata properties are those that are not legally approved by the BBMP. Unauthorised, these are not eligible for property tax and may also face restrictions in obtaining building permissions. E-khatas are available for both these kinds of properties.
Home Services
While the BBMP digitised its property records with e-khata, people who are not familiar with operating on digital platforms — a sizable portion of whom are senior citizens — found it to be a challenge. In a move to assist them, the municipal body has partnered with the Directorate of Electronic Delivery of Citizen Services (DEDCS), which has deployed 91 janasevakas for the new initiative.
To avail the service, the property must fall under the jurisdiction of the BBMP. Individual and joint property owners, authorised companies, legal heirs, and those holding a Power of Attorney can apply. Additionally, the applicant(s) must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid bank account.
How to Book a Service
Want to avail of this doorstep service? The process is simple. Let’s take a look at it:
- To begin with, visit the Karnataka government’s official Janasevaka website — janasevaka.karnataka.gov.in. On the home page, click on the ‘Service List’ and then choose the ‘BBMP e-Khatha/e-Aasthi’ option. You can also book appointments by calling 080-49203888 or 8904085030.
- Once you click the ‘BBMP e-Khatha/e-Aasthi’ option, an online form requesting details such as your name, mobile number, address and service request will appear. Fill the form and book your slot. Bookings can be made anytime between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
- Once you confirm the booking, you will get an SMS on your mobile number with slot details and an OTP. When the janasevaka visits you, share this OTP with them.
- Here are the documents you need to keep ready before the janasevaka’s visit: Aadhaar card, sale/registered deed of the property, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) application number, property tax receipt, and a recent photograph of the property.
- The janasevaka will then assist you in filling out the relevant online forms, scanning and uploading the documents, and collecting the service charge.
- According to BBMP, the e-khata will be issued within three days of the janasevaka’s visit. Once ready, the e-khata will be delivered to your doorstep.
- When it comes to residential properties, it’s not just individuals who can book this service. Apartment complexes and housing societies can also organise e-khata melas, helping all residents obtain the document in one go.
- However, if you want to resolve other khata-related issues, such as name mismatches and corrections, you cannot avail of this service at this point.
Affordable and Accessible
You can enjoy this service for a nominal fee of ₹160. This includes ₹45 (for the e-khata application) and ₹115 as the doorstep service fee. An additional ₹5 is also charged per page for scanning and uploading the mandatory documents.
A Service with a Vision
A part of India’s digital transformation, the E-khatas service has several benefits. It lowers the risk of fraudulent transactions, streamlines real estate transactions, and simplifies property tax payments. It also aims to give property owners relief from making multiple visits to various government offices and standing in long queues. However, for many people in our country, especially the elderly, maneuvering the digital space continues to be a challenge. With this move, the BBMP aims to make its E-Khata service accessible to everyone. Truly, a mission with a vision.
FAQs
- Is the janasevaka E-khata service only available for residential properties?
- How can one ensure the authenticity of the janasevaka to avoid fraud?
- Can appointments be rescheduled or cancelled?
- On which days are the janasevaka services available?
Not at all. It is applicable to all categories of properties falling under BBMP jurisdiction — residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use.
All janasevakas will be wearing official uniforms and will also carry their I-card. The OTP that you receive on your mobile phone once you book your slot should also be shared for authentication purposes.
In case of an emergency, you can both reschedule and cancel your appointment one hour before the scheduled appointment time. You can do so by calling the call centre (080-49203888/8904085030) or via the mobile app, KarntakaOne.
The janasevaka service is available on all days, from 8 AM to 8 PM.
