Launch of Karnataka’s flagship digital services put off

Karnataka has postponed the launch of some flagship digital services, including one that allows citizens to book an online appointment for registration of properties, in the wake of Union Minister Ananth Kumar’s demise.

A slew of services, under the umbrella of Kaveri Online Services, was to be launched by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and Revenue Minister RV Deshpande on Monday. This has been postponed to Friday.

The Department of Stamps and Registration has adopted a new software called Sulabha Nondani (easy registration) that allows citizens to book slots for property registration in advance. The existing system of waiting in the queue for the registration will be done away.

The government has also made encumbrance certificates (ECs) online. An encumbrance certificate is a record of all registered transactions that have taken place relating to a particular property. The department has digitised records from 2003 onward, which means property buyers will be able to virtually access digitally-signed encumbrance details for a property since then.

Another citizen-friendly initiative slated for launch is the facility to obtain e-stamp papers for the purpose of agreements and affidavits online. Also, a mobile app called Maulya will be launched to help citizens know the guidance value of any immovable property.

“The launch of these services has been rescheduled to Friday,” Inspector-General of Registration and Commissioner of Stamps KV Thrilok Chandra said.