Karnataka Government Launches Major Recruitment Drive and Digital Push for Land Records
In a significant move to modernize land administration, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda announced on Monday that the state government has issued a formal notification for the recruitment of 750 surveyors. This initiative aims to substantially strengthen land survey operations across the state.
Addressing Delays and Modernizing Infrastructure
Minister Gowda, while chairing a review meeting on pauti khata (mutation of property to legal heirs) progress in Dharwad, acknowledged a brief delay in the recruitment process. He attributed this to internal reservation matters but provided firm assurance that these issues would be resolved promptly, with appointment orders expected to be issued very soon.
To accelerate and enhance the accuracy of land surveys, the department is equipping these new surveyors with advanced modern rover equipment. This technology is designed to ensure real-time, precise results, moving away from slower, traditional methods.
Village-Level Efficiency and Massive Digitization Drive
In a parallel effort to improve grassroots administration, the government has decided to provide laptops to village accountants (VAs). This step is intended to boost efficiency at the village level and significantly reduce delays in issuing various essential certificates to citizens.
Highlighting a cornerstone achievement, Minister Gowda detailed the success of the Bhu Suraksha Scheme. Under this program, the revenue department has successfully digitized a staggering 64.5 crore land ownership documents.
- This digitization liberates citizens from the need to physically visit government offices for ownership records.
- Records can now be downloaded directly from the official website.
- All documents are being systematically scanned and securely preserved to eliminate complaints of missing or concealed files.
- The minister emphasized that this digital transformation will act as a powerful deterrent against forgery and the creation of fraudulent land records.
Land Rights for Lakhs of Families and Future Initiatives
Showcasing the department's accomplishments over the past two years, Gowda reported that title deeds have been distributed to over 2.5 lakh families. These were families who owned homes but previously lacked formal ownership documentation, securing their legal rights.
Building on this success, the minister announced an upcoming program scheduled for February 13 in Haveri, where title deeds will be issued to an additional 1.1 lakh families.
Public-Centric Reforms in Revenue Administration
During the meeting with officials, Minister Gowda underscored that the revenue department has implemented several public-friendly programs, driving substantial reforms. He noted that the process for effecting pauti khata for families of the deceased is progressing smoothly, ensuring rightful inheritance is documented efficiently.
This comprehensive approach—combining new recruitment, technological upgrades, widespread digitization, and direct empowerment of citizens through title deeds—marks a transformative phase in Karnataka's land and revenue administration.
