Using RTI for Khata registration
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The right to information Act helps many citizens to obtain information from various Govt. Departments and other association like Public Sector Undertakings (PSU), Indian Railways, Reserve Bank of India and so on. A citizen can obtain any government information pertaining to self or the general public using RTI. The questions you ask should not be in a demanding manner but try to ask in a pleasing manner. Because the questions you are asking a public information officer who is in a good authority and it is even your duty to respect him giving good honors.
Khata
Khata is important document when you apply for any license of building or for trade, applying for loan from any banks or financial institution. It consists of all the details of property like name of owner, size of buildings, location of property and all other details that help to file property tax. All property owners who hold property within the BBMP jurisdiction are eligible to obtain a Khata. Khata transfer is required when the ownership of property is transferred from one person to another and Bifurcation of Khata is required when modifying two or more Khata into one or dividing one Khata into two or more Khata.
Why RTI for Khata registration
Many of the property owners face multiple hurdles in getting Khata and it is not uncommon to hear BBMP officials demanding bribes or harassing property owner demanding for various documents. There are also many success stories where apartment owners, RWA or apartment owners associations obtained their Khata using RTI and also without paying any bribe.
The Right to Information Act (RTI) came into effect from October 12, 2005. The RTI Act is simple but it is very effective. The right to information Act provides for a time-bound and definite process for citizens to access information.
How to File RTI for Khata
Before filing RTI, you need to apply for Khata registration or Khata Transfer. Get a Khata application form (costs Rs. 10) plus copies of property documents. Khata application is available either online or at any BBMP office. One can obtain any government information pertaining to self or the general public using RTI. Every government department is bound by law to create a RTI cell in their offices. One can file the RTI to BBMP seeking information on status of Khata registration, clarification or documents required but vague or unclear questions gives the PIO a chance to reject your application.
Before you apply or file RTI, submit the filled registration form and enclose the essential documents. Check the status of your application once in 15 days. After 30-60 days, if there is still no activity then file the RTI to seek information on status of Khata registration.
- The application can be made on plain paper and there is no prescribed form or format for seeking information. However, application should have the name and complete postal address of the applicant. While filing an RTI application, the framing of the questions is very important. Ask information always by writing your name and signature, and not by your post or designation, as only citizen have the right to information. Be very specific & ask to the point questions. According to RTI Act, the applicant is not required to give reasons for seeking information.
- Please note the RTI officer details whom you can file the RTI. In case you have problems locating your PIO/APIO you can address your RTI application to the PIO C/o Head of Department and send it to the concerned Public Authority with the requisite application fee. Even in the absence of RTI officer, you can directly write to the concerned authority of the department and that person should impart the information you seek. One needs to attach 10 Rs postal order towards fee.
- One should receive the response to the RTI in 30 working days. However when the application is routed through ACPIO, they shall transfer the application to CPIO then in such case the application shall be processed in 35 days from the receipt of original application from ACPIO. The Central Information Commission (CIC) has cautioned people seeking information under the RTI Act against the use of objectionable and indecent language in their information applications. The questions you ask should not be in a demanding or indecent manner but try to ask in a pleasing manner.
- RTI can be sent by Speed Post with acknowledgment. The acknowledgment of the Speed Post is a proof of receipt. The RTI should be addressed to the RTI officer. In case you do not receive the reply within 30 working days you can put a complaint to the state Central Information Commission (CIC).
Obtain Khata registration form for applying for Khata. According to source, the application form available on the BBMP website is just for information purpose and cannot be used for official purpose. Enclose the essential documents and fill up the necessary information in the application form. Submit the filled registration form at BBMP office and get sealed acknowledgement for the same. Check the status of your application once in 15 days. After 2-3 months from date of applying for Khata, if there is still no activity then file the RTI to seek information on status of Khata registration. The questions you ask should not be in a demanding or disrespectful manner but try to ask in a pleasing manner.
In case of revenue properties where conversion has not been obtained and approval of the competent authority for formation of layout has not been obtained, Khata Registration will not be done. However for the said properties assessment will be made for property tax and property tax details will be entered in the ‘B’ Register.
