Kaveri 2.0 causes confusion over e-Khatas

Mangaluru

 Ever since its implementation, Kaveri 2.0, a web-based application by the Karnataka department of stamps and registration, designed to streamline property registration, became a pain point for property owners and realtors in this coastal city. Citizens are facing difficulties due to the confusion between the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), district administration officials, and the state-level supervisors of the Kaveri 2.0 software regarding the issuance of new e-khatas for vacant lands.
In recent days, while applying for an e-khata for vacant lands, officials have been asking for the Encumbrance Certificate (EC) along with the number of registered documents read in the EC. However, many vacant lands  such as those sanctioned by the Land Tribunal, lands with title deeds before 2004, succession certificates, or those divided through court orders do not have any registered documents. In such cases, the EC does not reflect any registered records. Hence, under such circumstances, the e-khata web portal does not allow the public to apply for a khata at all.
Similarly, for lands with buildings, the e-Swathu software is demanding the electricity meter RR number, the EC, and a registered document. This has created a great deal of confusion, with no department ready to address the issue, instead making citizens run from pillar to post. All the issues cropped up after the integration of e-Swathu with Kaveri 2.0, for want of an encumbrance certificate, making people run around for days trying to obtain e-khatas for their land.
Legal experts point out that due to bureaucratic apathy, people are wasting their time, money, and effort. Without an e-Khata, no legal transactions such as buying or selling land, availing loans, or other legal processes can be carried out for vacant lands.