e-Khata now essential for BBMP properties as Bengaluru digitises records

Bengaluru: In a major step towards digitizing property records and enhancing transparency, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has made e-Khata mandatory for all properties under its jurisdiction, effective July 1, 2025. This move is part of a broader digitization initiative aimed at streamlining property ownership verification, curbing fraudulent activities, and boosting property tax revenue.

The e-Khata is a digital equivalent of the traditional Khata certificate, a vital legal document that details property specifications such as the owner's name, size, location, and tax assessment. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that over 5.34 lakh properties have already transitioned to e-Khata, with the ultimate goal of covering 25 lakh properties across the city.

To facilitate this transition, the BBMP will conduct an "e-Khata mela" throughout July, offering assistance to residents at ward-level offices. Property owners can obtain their e-Khata by visiting their respective BBMP ward office or by utilizing the official E-Aasthi portal (bbmpeaasthi.karnataka.gov.in). The process requires uploading essential documents including Aadhaar, a sale deed, a photograph of the property, and an Encumbrance Certificate.

The mandatory e-Khata or EPID numbers will also extend to builders and property owners seeking plan approvals. From July 2025, these digital identifiers will be compulsory when applying through the Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPS) portal, which will automatically cross-verify property tax records, ensuring greater compliance and reducing manual verification steps.

Launched in October 2024, the e-Khata service is anticipated to bring substantial improvements to property registration processes, significantly reduce the incidence of fraud, and contribute to an increase in property tax collection for the civic body.