BBMP launches digital platform for bulk khata.. but there’s a catch

Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which had stopped accepting applications related to khata bifurcation for six months, has finallWhile the software will accept applications immediately, officials stated that processing them would take time.y rolled out a new digital application allowing developers or property owners to apply for bulk khata in one go.

The initiative is expected to provide significant relief to the real estate sector, as property transactions in Bengaluru had come to a halt, leaving both builders and buyers under financial stress.

The new application — launched earlier this week — is specifically designed for developers who have constructed new multi-storeyed buildings within the BBMP limits. Now, they can apply for a new khata for individual flats directly on the BBMP’s website.

While the software will accept applications immediately, officials stated that processing them would take time.

“The builder gets a provisional khata the moment he or she submits the necessary information. The provisional khata cannot be transacted, but it provides enough assurance and proof that the submission process is complete. This also ensures that revenue officials do not delay approvals,” Munish Moudgil, BBMP’s Special Commissioner (Revenue), told DH.

Moudgil, however, said that issuing the final khata would take a maximum of 60 days, as physical verification is required. “Spot inspections are necessary to verify whether the building exists. We do not want to make the mistake of issuing a bulk khata for a site where no building has come up. If the building does not comply with regulations, we will issue a 'B' khata,” the IAS officer explained.

Khata bifurcation, he stressed, has been opened only for vertical developments. “We will soon launch a similar platform for new residential layouts where khata bifurcation can be applied for in the name of individual buyers. It should be ready within the next 15 days.”

Big trouble for small-time builders

The complete halt of khata bifurcation in the BBMP limits — following the rollout of the e-khata system — has caused significant trouble for small-time builders, with some realtors possibly even going bankrupt.

Since e-khata was made mandatory for property registration in October last year, developers have been unable to sell flats, except by taking partial payments.

A builder based in HRBR Layout said he had constructed eight flats on a 4,000 sqft plot in December.

“All the units are sold, but I am unable to register the properties in the buyers’ names because khata bifurcation has been put on hold. A lot of changes have been made in the system, and they have not been clearly communicated to the BBMP’s lower-level officials,” he said.

“We are waiting indefinitely and helplessly,” he added.

Dashboard for bulk khata

BBMP allows khata bifurcation requests after six months.

On the web application (https://bbmp.karnataka.gov. in/newkhata), the developer must log in using the electronic property ID and registered mobile number.

The application accepts khata bifurcation requests for both approved and non-approved buildings. Buildings without compliance, including those lacking an occupancy certificate, will receive a ‘B’ khata.

Developers must provide details such as gross built-up area, carpet area, number of floors, undivided share, car parking, date of construction, and usage category.