Error in PID numbers leads to rejection of e-kahats in Bengaluru

BBMP clerical error leads to rejection of e-khata application, causing hardship for a poor cobbler in Murphy Town.

A simple clerical error in BBMP’s manual records has caused severe hardship to a poor cobbler from Murphy Town, whose e-khata application was rejected due to an incorrect Property Identification Number (PID) — one that doesn’t even exist in official records.

The sources in the BBMP say this is not an isolated case, and many are complaining about rejection due to incorrect PID numbers. The error was made during the manual entry of such numbers in the record book by the civic body.

V. Subramani, a long-time resident of Ashraya Scheme House on Anantha Nair Road, had been issued a valid khatha certificate and extract in 2014 by the Assistant Revenue Officer (ARO) of Jeevan Bima Nagar Sub-Division. Mr. Subramani has consistently paid property tax under the same number till 2025.

M. Pari, a former BBMP councillor who has been assisting Mr. Subramani, said the issue cropped up when he attempted to apply for an e-khatha, only to find that the property could not be located using his name, property number, or assessment number.

After a prolonged effort, Mr. Subramani traced his property details manually in the BBMP’s ward-level records. There, he discovered that during the manual entry completely different PID had been entered, which, upon verification, was found to be linked to no property at all.

On April 16, 2024, Mr. Subramani filed an online application for e-khatha, attaching all relevant documents, including proof of property tax payments and the original khatha. He followed it up with a personal visit to the BBMP’s Jeevan Bima Nagar Sub-Division office the next day to submit hard copies. Despite clear documentary evidence, the application was summarily rejected on the grounds of the incorrect PID — a mistake entirely attributable to BBMP’s records, Mr. Pari said.

A source in the revenue department of the BBMP told The Hindu, “Several applications were rejected by the ARO, citing incorrect PID number. This can be rectified at the administration level by looking into the original documents uploaded by the applicant. But the AROs are allegedly rejecting such applications to create room for bribes. In a month, at least 10 such applications are being rejected.”