E-Khata gets pricey for some residents in Bengaluru despite review

How much does it cost to obtain the final copy of an e-khata in Bengaluru?

The official fee, set by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is just Rs 125. However, some BBMP revenue officers are accused of charging up to Rs 4,000 per e-khata application. The “unofficial” fee comes with the promise that the final e-khata will be delivered within a week or sooner.

When the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) of an apartment complex in Bellandur approached the BBMP’s revenue office to organise an e-khata mela, the staffers offered an all-inclusive service if each flat owner paid Rs 4,000. This included uploading relevant documents and ensuring timely approval by following up on individual cases. 

The staff reportedly claimed that agents charge more than Rs 5,000 but don’t follow through with the process. 

A member of the Bangalore Apartments’ Federation explained that the BBMP offers several ways for residents to apply for the final e-khata, but mid-level corruption is causing delays.

For those unwilling to pay the extra fee, the wait can be long.

Raghavendra Rao, a resident of Pushpagiri Layout in RR Nagar, shared his experience. “I applied for my e-khata nearly two months ago. I did everything online without visiting the BBMP office and received a digital acknowledgment. But I’m still waiting for the final e-khata.”

Munish Moudgil, special commissioner at BBMP’s Revenue Department, requested the citizens not to pay.

He said the civic body is monitoring the pendency list on a daily basis so that the revenue officers do not hold back the approvals unnecessarily.

Moudgil also requested the citizens to apply with the final e-khata by themselves without approaching either agents or BBMP staff.