Bengaluru: In a major relief for property owners in the city, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) is set to launch a new service model that promises to end the days of running from pillar to post for property documents. This new initiative aims to eliminate middlemen and corruption by providing essential services under one roof.

A “Passport-Style” Service for Bengaluru

The GBA is introducing new service centers modeled after the highly efficient Passport Seva Kendras. Instead of waiting weeks at office counters or dealing with brokers, citizens will soon be able to access 27 different services quickly and transparently.

Key highlights of the plan:

• 10 New Centers: A total of ten facilities will be established across the city.
• Strategic Locations: Two centers will be set up in each of the five corporation zones under the GBA’s jurisdiction.
• On-the-Spot Processing: Unlike general service centers, these will have GBA officers stationed on-site. This allows files to be processed and cleared immediately without being sent back and forth to other offices.

Standardized Fees: Ending the Broker Menace

One of the biggest advantages of this new system is the standardized fee structure. Currently, while the official fee for an E-Khata is minimal, many citizens end up paying anywhere from ₹3,000 to ₹60,000 due to delays and middlemen. The new centers aim to stop this exploitation.

Estimated Service Fees:

• E-Khata Issuance: Can be obtained for an additional service fee of approximately ₹1,000.
• Khata Conversion & New Flats: Converting a B-Khata to an A-Khata, or obtaining a new Khata for a flat/site, is expected to cost around ₹2,500.
• Large-Scale Projects: For developers seeking Khatas for entire residential complexes, the fee is likely to be ₹1,500 per flat.

One-Stop Shop for City Services

Beyond Khata-related work, these centers will act as a single window for various administrative needs, including:

• Birth and Death Certificates.
• Building Plan Approvals.
• Trade Licenses.

Conclusion

The GBA has already invited tenders for the commencement of these service centers. By streamlining these processes, the authority is taking a significant step toward making Bengaluru a more citizen-friendly city. No more long queues, no more “speed money,” and no more unnecessary delays.