HUBLI: Revenue Minister Jagadish Shettar said on Saturday that "Bhoomi" kiosks will be set up in 800 hoblis in the State to facilitate the issue of land records and caste, birth and death certificates.

Addressing presspersons here, he said he has discussed the plan with officials, and kiosks will be set up in six months at a cost of Rs. 20 crores.

At present, kiosks are at taluk centres are issuing land records. They will be upgraded for issuing various certificates. This will enable the Government to improve administration at the hobli level, he added.

Mr. Shettar reiterated the Government's commitment "to take the administration to the people", and promised steps to improve the functioning of the Revenue Department.

Replying to a question, the Minister announced that shortly, a circular directing officials of zilla and taluk panchayats to dispose of applications for certificates within two or three days will be issued. Surprise checks will be conducted at taluk panchayat offices to check corruption, he said.

Mr. Shettar said problems related to sale of stamp papers through nationalised banks and related issues will be discussed at a meeting of officials of the department next month, and a decision taken. He will decide on cases related to Abdul Kareem Telgi, main accused in the stamp paper racket, after discussions with Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa.

He said as an Opposition leader, he had demanded an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the stamp paper racket and not a "White Paper" from the then government.

Amendments

About amendments to the Registration Act, he said he has sought legal opinion from experts on whether to enact another law or impose restrictions. Restrictions are needed to prevent misuse of provisions.

Mr. Shettar said a decision on whether to recruit tahsildars directly or through the Karnataka Public Service Commission will be taken within a month.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail