People are seen participating at a e-khata mela in Bengaluru
Exclusive: GBA introduces automated e-khata approvals amid spike in rejection rate
Bengaluru
The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), to fast-track e-khata issuance, has introduced automated approvals of applications. This revolutionary step was taken by the Greater Bengaluru Authority Commissioner Maheshwar Rao on the directions of Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister, D K Shivakumar.
The new automated system is also aimed at curbing corruption and middlemen. Earlier, a round-robin system was in place to eliminate middlemen, but this was not effective due to alleged reluctance of a section of revenue officials. The GBA has now withdrawn this modification to the e-khata system and replaced it with automation.
Under the round-robin, the system was dispatching e-khata applications for approvals to random AROs and maintaining anonymity. Previously, jurisdictional AROs were receiving applications. However, this was rendered little ineffective through alleged surreptitious means. As a result, the applications were piling up. A source inside the GBA said the pile-up was ‘manufactured’.
“As the pressure was mounting to withdraw the same, a new plan was devised to circumvent corrupt practices. That is automated approvals of e-khata applications,” said a senior GBA official.
Under the new system, there is no manual intervention for approval. If the applications are in order, then the system will automatically approve them and generate e-khata. The applications are not sent to local case workers. With no hassle, e-khata will be issued. The new system is just introduced and will be scaled up soon for the benefits of applicants.
The senior official, further explaining about this system, said if there were any errors in the application, it would be dispatched to local case workers. If the local case worker fails to approve within five working days, then it will be automatically approved. The case workers will only receive applications for errors and for mutations.
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. 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.