The government has launched an initiative to digitize property records across all urban local bodies (ULBs), but progress has been hampered by various factors such as staff shortages, work overload, inadequate funding, and technical issues. As a result, many members of the public continue to struggle to access original property documents.
To safeguard property records within ULBs, the government has introduced the e-property software project, aimed at digitizing these records. The implementation of this software is expected to prevent the loss of old documents, curb the sale and transfer of the same property to multiple individuals, and stop illegal alterations of property information. It was anticipated that digitization would help preserve over 1.8 million property records in the Belagavi district, provide timely services to residents, and ensure a transparent administration. However, various obstacles have hindered these efforts.
Residents across many districts in the state, including Belagavi, still find it difficult to obtain their original property documents. Currently, the revenue department officials handle registration, transfer, division, sale, and consolidation of property accounts by accepting applications through Sakala centers.
In addition to Belagavi City Corporation (BCC), the district also encompasses city municipal councils in Nippani and Gokak. According to revenue department officials, about 70% of original property records have been digitized in these three ULBs thus far. Sidagouda Modagi, president of Bharatiya Krishik Samaj, emphasized that the revenue minister, Krishna Byre Gowda, frequently discusses the benefits of the e-property software. “This software should serve as a valuable tool for property owners. Property-related documents will be secure in DigiLocker, eliminating the risk of tampering. People will be able to view property details online, reducing the need for multiple office visits. However, this must be effectively implemented at the hobli and rural levels, along with efforts to raise awareness,” he stated.
Officials from the corporation and municipal councils noted that it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive survey of all properties before fully implementing the property software. Accurate property identification is essential for effective tax collection, they added. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan confirmed that the digitization process for local bodies is ongoing. “A review will be conducted to assess the status of property digitization,” he said. Reshma Talikoti, commissioner of the revenue department at BCC, acknowledged that tax collection can only be streamlined with accurate property identification and digitization. “Action will be taken soon to survey properties, but our immediate focus is on collecting outstanding property taxes,” she concluded.
