Bengaluru: In a landmark step towards digitisation and transparency, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has announced that e-Khata will be mandatory for all property registrations within its jurisdiction from 30 September 2024. The move is aimed at eliminating fraud, ensuring compliance, and streamlining Bengaluru’s fast-changing real estate sector.

What is e-Khata?

The term Khata (meaning “account”) is a vital document maintained by BBMP that verifies ownership and tracks property tax payments. It is essential for property registration, securing loans, obtaining building permits, and entering into legal agreements.

Traditionally, Khatas were divided into two categories:

  • A-Khata: Issued to properties fully compliant with by-laws, tax rules, and zoning norms. These properties have clear titles and qualify for bank loans and permits.
  • B-Khata: Given to properties with deviations, arrears, or missing approvals. Though recorded for taxation, these properties are ineligible for loans and carry high legal risks.

To modernise this system, BBMP introduced e-Khata, a digitised version accessible via Karnataka’s e-Aasthi or e-Swathu portals. Offering the same legal standing as A-Khata for compliant properties, e-Khata reduces human errors, delays, and fraud associated with manual documentation.

New rule from July 2025

Until now, buyers had to individually apply for Khata or e-Khata after purchasing a flat, even if the builder had already obtained the occupancy certificate (OC).

Under the revised regulations effective 1 July 2025, builders will be responsible for registering an e-Khata for each flat in their name before transferring ownership to buyers. This ensures that properties are digitally recorded and compliant at the point of sale.

Since the launch of e-Khata in October 2024, BBMP has already processed around 2.75 lakh e-Khatas, reflecting strong adoption.

Impact on buyers, developers, and tenants

The digitisation drive affects multiple stakeholders:

  • Buyers: e-Khata validates ownership, eases title checks, and boosts eligibility for home loans.
  • Investors: It simplifies due diligence and reduces the risk of disputes or fraud.
  • Landlords & tenants: e-Khata serves as proof of ownership for rental agreements and allows tenants to verify property compliance.
  • Developers: Mandatory for building plan approvals from July 2025, placing the onus of compliance on builders.

In the long run, e-Khata will strengthen Bengaluru’s property market by filtering out encroached and illegal properties while promoting greater transparency and efficiency.

Challenges in implementation

Despite its advantages, the rollout has faced hurdles. Owners of B-Khata properties must meet stricter compliance requirements to upgrade. Digital accessibility remains a concern for senior citizens and semi-urban residents unfamiliar with online systems.

High application volumes have also led to processing delays of 15 to 30 days, creating backlogs for BBMP.

Government initiatives

To encourage adoption, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar launched a door-to-door e-Khata distribution drive in Byatarayanapura constituency in July 2025. BBMP announced that 25,000 e-Khatas are ready for doorstep delivery, with similar initiatives planned across the city.

The project also earned the Silver Award at the National e-Governance Awards 2024, further validating its role as a flagship initiative in digital property governance.

Conclusion

The e-Khata initiative is more than a bureaucratic update — it is a fundamental shift towards a modern, accountable, and transparent property system in Karnataka. With full digital adoption mandated by law, property buyers, sellers, and developers must now view e-Khata compliance not as optional but as essential.