Bengaluru, 9 May

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced a major property ownership drive here aimed at correcting and regularising property records, saying the government had already rectified 23 lakh Khatas and enabled citizens to download their documents online.

Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, said the state government had begun converting B-Khatas into A-Khatas and would organise special Khata camps every Saturday across corporation limits from 16 May to help citizens secure their property documents.

A Khata is a legal document in Bengaluru certifying that a property complies with all local by-laws, regulations and has paid property taxes to the civic body. “We have already corrected 23 lakh khatas and provided an opportunity for people to download them,” he said.

Shivakumar explained that the major campaign has been undertaken in the City to streamline property documentation. The Deputy Chief Minister said between five and 10 centres would be set up in every corporation area as part of the “Khata Andolana” programme and urged citizens to participate in large numbers.

“I appeal to people to safeguard their property documents. We have created an opportunity for all citizens,” he said. Shivakumar further claimed that the initiative had drawn national attention and said the Union government had recognised the State with an award for the programme.

“Your Khata is your right. Obtain your Khata and protect yourself from fraud,” he said, while urging people to take advantage of the scheme.