Karnataka will begin accepting applications for e-Swathu records for eligible Gramathana properties from October 2, with the state government directing officials to deliver documents to at least 10 lakh properties by November 1. Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre has also ordered a simplified process and new e-Swathu-03 software to address delays.
The initiative is aimed at property holders in Gramathana areas who have lived in their homes for years but do not possess registered sale deeds, title documents or other formal records. Under the directions, applicants may use documents such as electricity bills, earlier house-tax or property-tax receipts, ration cards, voter identity cards and residence certificates to support their claims.
The process will not cover properties involved in court disputes, properties located on government land, homes built in lake beds or B Kharab areas, or properties constructed after encroachment of forest land. The proposed e-Swathu records will also be limited to properties measuring up to 4,000 square feet, including the house, backyard and compound area, according to the minister’s directions.
Before a record is issued, the relevant gram panchayat will hold separate gram sabhas in villages under its jurisdiction. Residents will be asked to verify whether the applicant lives in the same village and on the property concerned, and whether the applicant is the actual owner. The panchayat will then invite public objections by displaying a notice at its office and provide 21 days for responses.
If no objection is received, officials have been directed to proceed with issuing the e-Swathu record in accordance with the rules. Applicants will also have to submit an undertaking stating that the record may be cancelled if any information or document provided by them is found to be incorrect.
The announcement addresses a long-running administrative gap in rural property documentation. Many residents in Gramathana areas have reportedly waited months after applying for e-Swathu records because of technical obstacles and the absence of conventional ownership documents. A five-member committee had earlier been formed to examine the issue and submit a report.
Khandre has instructed officials to begin the panchnama and site-inspection process on Gandhi Jayanti. The doorstep e-Swathu campaign is scheduled to begin on November 1, while applications are to be accepted from October 2. The government’s immediate administrative challenge will be to complete local verification, manage objections and process the targeted 10 lakh records without weakening safeguards for disputed or encroached properties.
