GBA eliminates middlemen, sends e-khata applications to AROs in random manner

The erstwhile Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike launched the e-khata system on October 1, 2024. Till date the GBA has issued 9 lakh final e-khatas. 

Bengaluru

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has successfully eliminated middlemen from interfering in approval of e-khata applications. This is made possible through random round-robin, a fresh feature in place in the e-khata system from the past one week. 

Munish Moudgil, Special Commissioner (revenue and IT), GBA talking to blrpost.com said “GBA rolled out a random round-robin system about a week back. This system dispatches  e-khata applications for approvals to random AROs and maintains anonymity. Previously jurisdictional AROs were receiving applications.” 

Although e-khata is a fully digital process, due to this gap, the middlemen were able to interfere and extract bribes from the applicants. This was also possible because of middlemen’s proximity to AROs.

Moudgil further said now with the random pattern no one will have knowledge of to which ARO his/her applications are sent. The element anonymity curb corruption in the system.  

In a matter of weeks the applications will be approved. This apart from taking middlemen out from the process, will also fast-track approvals. 

The e-khata system, accessible at BBMP eAasthi portal, allows citizens to apply for Final eKhata or New Khata online, either independently or through Bengaluru One Centers. Applications are processed in a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) sequence, with automatic approvals for routine cases. Final e-khata applications are typically completed within 2–3 days, while New Khata applications—requiring field verification—are processed within 60 days. Special Commissioners and Joint Commissioners monitor all 64 ARO offices to ensure timely disposal.

The system is integrated with KAVERI and BESCOM databases for automatic property tax updates and ownership verification. Anonymity of officials prevents direct citizen contact, eradicating middlemen exploitation. Citizens can track their application status online via dedicated portals for Final and New eKhatas.

This initiative has earned the National E-Governance Gold Award 2025, underscoring its efficiency and citizen-centric design. A dedicated e-khata helpline, 94806 83695, has been set up for queries and grievances.