Availing certificates made easy

Bhoomi Kendra opened at Varuna; changes made in extending five services

In an attempt to take various services near to the people, Revenue department on Tuesday opened a Bhoomi Kendra at Nada Kacheri in Varuna hobli.

In addition to this, a system to distribute caste and income certificates at schools and colleges was also launched, followed by an online system to issue various certificates and most importantly the distribution of Urban Property Ownership Records (UPOR) aka property cards.

Addressing a gathering of Revenue officials at ZP hall in the city, Commissioner for Land Survey and Land Records, V Ponnuraj also the Director of Atalji Jana Snehi Kendra explained that Bhoomi Kendras presently functioning at taluk offices are being extended to Nada Kacheris too as a corrective measure.

Tracing back the launch of Bhoomi Kendras 13 years ago in the year 2000, Ponnuraj said that though the project was a hit, winning five awards in recognition of simplifying the services with the aid of technology, the common grouse was that such centres were located away from the easy reach of common man. Taking cognisance of the complaints, it was eventually decided to open such centres at Nada Kacheris too, and Varuna in Mysore has made a start in this regard.

Similarly, to address the travails of villagers, especially students seeking caste and income certificates, henceforth it will be distributed at the respective educational institutions. It is inevitable, as the demand for the afore mentioned certificates shoot up during the beginning of the academic year. 

Ponnuraj said, the designated officials will collect the applications from the institutions and distribute the same later. In the existing set up, the applicants have to visit taluk offices twice to apply and obtain the certificate. The new system will benefit 60 pc to 70 pc of the students who are among 50 lakh applicants annually. Also, the burden on taluk offices will be reduced.

Another revolutionary step as explained by Ponnuraj is, reducing the dependency on physical use of 25 different certificates issued at Atalji Jana Snehi Kendras. The service users, especially those having internet connection at home, can apply for the certificates online and collect a dedicated number issued through SMS, after the digital verification of the application. 

In case the applicant needs the certificate, it will be delivered to him or her through speed post. The number given is valid like Aadhaar number and can be utilised for obtaining the government services, according to another programme intended at accomplishing the task of paperless administration.

The distribution of property cards, another ambitious programme of the State Government launched on a pilot basis in Mysore district three years ago is in its final stages. Already three lakh properties are surveyed and one lakh cards have been issued.

Ponnuraj said, property cards come handy in addressing the property disputes, with the card containing the information pertaining to ownership, loans obtained on the same, encumbrance certificate of 10 years among others.