By G.S. Gopal Raaj, Editor – City Today News
The process of obtaining an E-Khata, a crucial document for property ownership in Karnataka, has become a major source of corruption. Reports from property owners indicate that officials and middlemen are demanding hefty bribes to process applications, turning what should be a straightforward digital initiative into a bureaucratic nightmare.
The Rising Corruption in E-Khata Processing
E-Khata was introduced as part of the digitization of land records under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and other municipal bodies to streamline property documentation. However, despite its intended transparency, the process has been marred by bribery and inefficiency.
Several citizens have complained that their applications remain pending for months unless they pay bribes ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 50,000, depending on the size and location of the property. Many claim that officials deliberately create hurdles, citing unnecessary documentation issues to extract money from applicants.
Recent Cases Highlighting the Issue
A Bengaluru resident who applied for an E-Khata for his newly purchased plot was allegedly asked to pay Rs. 20,000 to expedite the process.
In Mysuru, a builder reported that despite submitting all required documents, his application was rejected multiple times until he agreed to pay an ‘unofficial fee’.
Several property owners in Tumakuru and Mangaluru have also raised concerns about middlemen controlling the E-Khata application process, making it difficult for applicants to get approvals without bribing them.
Authorities Silent Despite Complaints
Despite multiple complaints to the Karnataka Lokayukta and municipal authorities, little action has been taken to curb the corruption. Many applicants say that even online applications are not immune to bribery, as officials find ways to delay approvals until payments are made under the table.
The Way Forward: Urgent Reforms Needed
1. Strict Enforcement of Anti-Corruption Laws – Authorities must take stringent action against corrupt officials and middlemen.
2. Transparency in E-Khata Processing – The government should introduce a real-time tracking system where applicants can monitor the progress of their applications.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating property owners on their rights and encouraging them to report corruption without fear of backlash.
4. Whistleblower Protection – Strengthening laws to protect those who report corruption in land-related matters.
Call for Government Action
The Karnataka government must urgently intervene to ensure that the E-Khata system serves its true purpose—providing hassle-free and transparent property documentation. Citizens are urged to raise their voices and report bribery cases to the Lokayukta or Anti-Corruption Bureau.
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