Khata camps: Site owners seek time

By Govind D. Belgaumkar

BANGALORE, AUG. 24. Site owners who visit the on-going camps under the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike's ``Simplified Khata Scheme'' feel that they have not been given enough time for submitting applications for khatas.

Some of those who purchased booklets containing the application forms say it is ``impossible'' to submit ``khata'' applications in three days.

The camps, which began on Thursday, were to end on Saturday. However, the BMP has announced their extension till Sunday.

Site owners seeking khatas have been asked to purchase booklets of nearly 100 pages for information on the details of the khata registration formalities. They have to submit applications along with documents on or before Sunday.

Although they appreciate the BMP's efforts to simplify the process of khata registration and conduct special camps, they say not enough time has been given to them to avail of the benefits.

They point out that along with the applications, they have to submit four to six documents. The documents required are title deed, details of khata/tax receipt, sketch showing location of site with boundaries, NSC certificate for Rs. 200, and encumbrance certificate from sub-registrar's office in the case of a vacant site.

While owners of sites measuring 30 ft. by 40 ft. have to pay betterment tax of Rs. 12,000, those owning sites of 40 ft. by 60 ft. have to pay tax to the tune of Rs. 24,000. In addition, those submitting the applications are expected to pay property tax dues since October 1, 1995.

Mr. Nataraj of Goraguntepalya, who has purchased a booklet, says he has to pay nearly Rs. 20,000 for registration of khata. ``Where do I bring the money from, in three days?'' he asks.

Mr. B.S. Manohar, member of a residents' association in Sanajaynagar, say the citizens need at least 10 days to submit the completed forms. Many persons have to collect documents from the BMP, the BDA and the Revenue Department, he points out.

Although Mr. Manohar is all praise for the BMP's efforts, he suggests that it could have sold the booklets and the applications earlier, giving 10 to 15 days to prospective applicants to fill the forms and arrange for documents and money. If this had been done, the scheme would have been a success, he feels. ``Having made it a three-day programme, at short notice, the BMP cannot accuse site owners of having failed to avail of the benefits of the scheme,'' Mr. Manohar says. ``Such camps, which help avoid red-tapism and corruption, could have been planned in a better manner,'' he adds.

`More time is available'

Responding to the views of site owners, Mr. H.B.S. Aradya, Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), BMP, says khata registration is an ``on- going process''. Persons who buy the booklets now can submit applications later, at the BMP offices. They can submit applications on September 5, 6 and 7, when the BMP plans to inspect the buildings for which khatas have been sought. However, people point to the difficulties in approaching the BMP offices in the normal course.

Mr. Aradya says that about 1,500 application forms were sold at the khata camps on Friday. About Rs. 20 lakhs in betterment tax and property tax has been collected at the camps, he adds.

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Section  : Southern States
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