Bengaluru: The inaugural weekend of the 'Nanna e-Khata, Nanna Hakku' initiative, aimed at streamlining property documentation, saw a notable turnout, though the emphasis of citizen queries diverged from the stated goals. Launched on Saturday, May 16, the program, intended primarily to facilitate the conversion of 'B' Khatas to 'A' Khatas and the issuance of e-Khatas, encountered a populace more interested in other property-related adjustments.
The drive, which established multiple service centers across the Greater Bengaluru Authority's jurisdiction, processed 1,505 applications for e-Khata and Khata conversion services on its first day. While the conversion of 'B' Khatas to 'A' Khatas was a central promise, officials noted that applications for this specific service were "negligible." Instead, a larger volume of requests centered on khata corrections, mutations, and entirely new khata issuances. This suggests a broader, and perhaps more pressing, set of property documentation needs among residents than initially anticipated by the program's architects.
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Citizens Seek Broader Revisions
Despite the official narrative focusing on the 'B' to 'A' Khata conversion, many individuals arriving at the designated centers sought to rectify existing errors or initiate new registration processes. One attendee remarked, "They said they would help with conversion, but they actually addressed our issues" - a sentiment indicating a perceived disconnect between the campaign's headline objectives and the immediate concerns of property owners. The program, which involves setting up centers in schools, colleges, ward offices, and public grounds, offers three main services: the issuance of e-Khatas, the submission of new e-Khata applications, and the conversion of 'B' Khatas to 'A' Khatas.
Official Targets vs. Public Reception
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who announced the initiative, highlighted the potential for "instant redressal on the spot every week" for 5,000 citizens. He also stated that 7,000 applications for 'B' to 'A' Khata conversion had been received and processed prior to the public launch. The campaign's broader aim is to digitize and secure land records, with over 23 lakh property documents across five city corporations already scanned. This move is intended to bolster confidence among property owners and prevent fraudulent activities.
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Contextualizing the Drive
The 'Nanna E-Khata Andolana', or 'Nanna E-Khata Movement,' which began on May 16, operates every Saturday across 50 centers. This initiative is presented as the "6th Guarantee" from the current government, aligning with broader development agendas for Bengaluru, including housing and infrastructure improvements. The government estimates the city has approximately 23 lakh recognized properties, comprising around 16 lakh 'A' Khata properties and 7 lakh 'B' Khata properties. A key incentive for 'B' Khata conversions is a reduced fee, now set at 2 percent of the guidance value, down from a previous 5 percent. The program also aims to deliver documents to landowners' doorsteps via the 'Nanna E-Khata Andolana' service.
