Property records project set for launch in Bangalore

The Urban Property Ownership Records (UPOR) project, which envisages distribution of property titles (also property cards) to private immovable property owners, is set to be launched in Bangalore.

The Directorate of Survey Settlement and Land Records (DSSLR) has completed the tender process and shortlisted two firms – Hyderabad-based Infotech and Bangalore-based Alcon – to implement the project in 50 Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) wards in old Bangalore areas.

Commissioner of DSSLR V Ponnuraj said the tender details had already been sent to the government, seeking its approval.

The two agencies have quoted a higher price than what was stipulated in the tenders.
The tenders will be awarded to the agencies after securing the government’s approval, Ponnuraj added.

It was for the third time that the project was tendered. There were no takers for it on two earlier occasions.

The government, as a result, modified certain conditions in the tender such as allowing firms to participate in the bidding as a consortium and
engaging the services of other agencies at the time of implementation, official sources said.

Under the UPOR project, survey, mapping and measurement of all properties will be done and the authenticity of their ownership verified using old village maps and revenue records (urban properties were once villages and they had revenue numbers.

History of the properties and change in ownership over the years will be traced using those details).

The DSSLR will issue titles to the owners of private properties by charging a nominal fee. The titles will not be issued to the disputed properties. Under the existing system, there is no document that establishes the ownership of a property. Sale deed and khata are deemed as property ownership documents, sources said.

The project is expected to help the government identify encroachment of its land. The pilot project has been successfully implemented in Mysore city, and it is under implementation in Bellary, Shimoga, Mangalore and Hubli-Dharwad, sources said.

25 wards each

Ponnuraj said each of these companies will be given 25 wards to implement the project.
The government will bear the cost of the project, which is estimated to cost Rs 13 crore.

Money will be paid in instalments as the work progresses. The contract also involves maintenance of data for the initial three years. The project will be later extended to all BBMP wards and other cities and towns across the State.