RDPR department proposes to computerise layout approval

The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) department has proposed to computerise and integrate the system of layout approval and issuing khata for individual properties around Bengaluru in order to prevent formation of illegal layouts.
The plan is to integrate “evinyasa” software being used by seven local planning authorities (LPAs) – BMRDA, Anekal, Kanakapura, Magadi, Nelamangala, BIAAPA and Hoskote – to accord approvals for layouts, with “eswatthu” software being used by all panchayats for issuing khata (digitised khata). The computerised system is expected to prevent formation of illegal layouts, which have cropped up in large numbers around Bengaluru.

Additional Chief Secretary to RDPR department T M Vijay Bhaskar recently submitted a proposal to the government in this regard, following complaints over  registration of large number of illegally-formed sites using fictitious documents in Bengaluru Urban district. “Once integrated, only those properties that are released through evinyasa by an LPA will get khata (also called Form 9 in panchayat limits) from panchayats,” he said.

All seven LPAs have recently introduced evinyasa software for layout approval. The software has been designed in such a way that approval is accorded only if all necessary documents including land conversion order are submitted. Interestingly, Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is yet to adopt the software.

Digitised khata
On the other end, the RDPR has introduced eswatthu to issue digitised khata for gramathana and revenue sites formed in panchayat limits. Any individual transacting in a gramathana site or a revenue property, has to obtain a digitised 'A' khata (Form 9 generated using e-swatthu software) from the respective gram panchayat. The Department of Stamps and Registration will allow transaction in such properties only they have digitised 'A' khata.

However, the panchayat development officers (PDOs), who issue khata (Form 9), depend on hard copies of documents submitted by developers or land owners. Hence, there are chances of submitting fictitious documents or the PDOs themselves playing mischief by joining hands with the developers, officials pointed out.

Once integrated, evinyasa software helps PDOs in verifying authenticity of documents submitted by the developers  seeking khata. Every site formed in a new layout will have unique number. Documents of an approved site can be verified on evinyasa software by using this number, officials said.