BANGALORE: To avoid inconvenience to citizens who want to get their khatas registered, and also put an end to complaints about corruption in the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike's (BMP) revenue department, the civic body will soon bring about a "systemic change" in the process of khata registration.

"We are working on a hassle-free process wherein citizens can get their khatas registered, transferred or clubbed without tears. Our aim is to ensure that citizens are saved from the rigmarole of going from table to table for getting their khatas registered. We will also consider the legal implications and bring about the change within a month or two," BMP Commissioner K. Jairaj told corporators at the BMP Council meeting here on Tuesday.

Replying to members who complained about corruption in the revenue department of the BMP, Mr. Jairaj said he would direct the officials concerned to clear files relating to khata registration without any delay.

"A systemic change that will withstand all legal implications just like the self-assessment scheme of property tax is the need of the hour," he said.

Pointing out that all slum-dwellers, who have been given "hakku patras" (title deeds), would get khatas, Mr. Jairaj said 586 applications for such khatas were pending with the BMP. "We will conduct a ward-wise study on how many `hakku patras' have been issued and forward the list to the Government," he said.

Earlier, members from all parties complained about problems and corruption in the revenue department. Jeevanbimanagar corporator Munireddy N., who complained that he was forced to pay a hefty bribe to get his khata registered before he was elected as a corporator, demanded that the revenue department be revamped completely.

TDR on 11 roads

Reiterating that the civic body would create awareness and educate people on Transferable Development Rights (TDR), Mr. Jairaj said he had recently convened a meeting of builders on 11 identified roads whose land is required for road widening.

Following the State Government's final notification permitting the civic body to grant TDR to property-owners and lease-holders for road widening, the civic body has identified a total of 135 km along 80 roads in the city.

"I have convinced the builders to opt for TDR on 11 roads initially. We want to widen these roads at least by December," he added.

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