Farmers in Channagiri taluk, Karnataka, have announced they will not cooperate with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) until electronic property records (e-khatas) are issued to all households in the region. Farmer leader Tejaswi Patel stated that out of 900 households in the village, only 400 are within the gramathana limits, leaving the majority without proper documentation.
Background of the Demand
The demand for e-khatas stems from long-standing issues with land records in Karnataka. E-khatas are digital versions of traditional property documents, aimed at reducing disputes and ensuring transparency. However, many residents in Channagiri taluk have not received these documents, causing uncertainty over land ownership and access to government schemes.
Tejaswi Patel emphasized that the community will not participate in any government revision or survey until all households are issued e-khatas. "We cannot cooperate with the SIR when half our village lacks basic property rights," he said, according to local reports.
Impact on SIR Process
The SIR is a government initiative to update and verify land records, often used for tax assessment and development planning. Without cooperation from Channagiri residents, the revision process may face delays or inaccuracies. The standoff highlights broader issues in Karnataka's land administration, where digitization efforts have been uneven.
Local authorities have yet to respond to the farmers' demand. The Election Commission, which oversees the SIR in some contexts, may also be affected as accurate voter rolls depend on updated land records.
Broader Implications
This protest is part of a larger pattern in Karnataka, where farmers have repeatedly called for complete digitization of land records. The state government has been working on the e-khata system, but implementation gaps persist. According to Patel, the current situation creates inequality: "Those with e-khatas can access loans and subsidies, while others are left behind."
The farmers' refusal to cooperate could pressure the government to expedite e-khata distribution. However, with the SIR deadline approaching, both sides may need to negotiate a solution.
