Gram panchayats must grow into real centers of local power, says CM after giving away Gandhigram Puraskar to 238 GPs
Bengaluru
The state government honored 238 gram panchayats with the ‘Gandhigram Puraskar’ for 2023–24 at a ceremony held at the Vidhana Soudha Banquet Hall. Each Panchayat received ₹5 lakh and a memento for its efforts.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that democracy becomes stronger when people participate more, and Gram Panchayats must grow into real centers of local power. He also launched the upgraded e-Swattu 2.0 software during the event.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the government is working to bring e-property services to people’s doorsteps. He announced that 11B accounts will now be issued for all Panchayat property records. Applicants will receive these accounts within 15 days, and people no longer need to visit offices. Property tax payment and record corrections can now be handled online or at Bapuji Centres.
Rural Development, IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge explained that the new e-asset 2.0 software is designed to increase the financial strength of Gram Panchayats. Many families living outside Panchayat limits without land conversion have been using civic services like water, roads and streetlights. This created a financial burden for Panchayats. To address this, the government amended the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act and introduced new rules effective from October 17, 2025.
The rules explain how new properties will be taxed, how assessments will be made and how tax recovery should happen. Updated responsibilities for Gram Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat and Zilla Panchayat officials have also been clearly defined.
E-Swattu 2.0
E-Swattu 2.0 now allows rural residents to access property documents digitally through e-Khata. Digital certificates (Forms 11A and 11B) for public property records are also being enabled. Though technical issues may occur initially, the department has promised quick solutions. A dedicated E-Swattu Helpline (9483476000) has been launched for public support.