The Karnataka government is considering the ordinance route to expedite the conversion of rural properties into khatas (land records), as over 97 lakh property owners in the state are yet to receive their documents. Revenue Minister Eshwar Khandre made the announcement on Wednesday, highlighting the urgency to address the backlog.
Ordinance as a solution
Khandre stated that the government is exploring the option of promulgating an ordinance to simplify the process and ensure that all eligible rural property owners receive their khatas without further delay. The move aims to bypass legislative hurdles and fast-track the conversion process, which has been stalled due to procedural complexities.
"We are seriously considering the ordinance route to clear the pending Khata conversions. Nearly 97 lakh rural properties are yet to be covered, and we want to resolve this at the earliest," Khandre told reporters in Bengaluru.
Background of the issue
Khata is a crucial document that establishes ownership of a property and is required for availing bank loans, selling property, and paying property tax. In rural areas, many properties currently lack proper khatas, leaving owners without legal recognition of their land rights. The problem has persisted for years, with successive governments failing to address the issue comprehensively.
The state government had earlier launched a special drive to issue khatas, but the progress has been slow. According to officials, the conversion process involves multiple steps, including verification of land records, survey numbers, and mutation entries, which often leads to delays.
Impact on property owners
The lack of khatas has severely affected rural residents, preventing them from accessing formal credit and hindering property transactions. Many farmers and small landowners have been unable to use their land as collateral for loans, affecting their livelihoods.
"Without a khata, our property is practically invisible to the banking system. We hope the government acts quickly to resolve this," said a farmer from Belagavi district, who wished to remain anonymous.
Next steps
Khandre said the revenue department is working on a draft ordinance that will be presented to the cabinet for approval. If cleared, the ordinance will be sent to the governor for promulgation. The minister expressed confidence that the ordinance route would help clear the backlog within a year.
The government also plans to leverage technology to streamline the process, including digitization of land records and online application systems. Khandre urged property owners to cooperate by providing accurate information to facilitate smooth conversion.
