Karnataka Govt Takes Land Conversion Online

After successfully launching online land conversion for residential use, the Karnataka government has now started the online process to convert agricultural land into non-agricultural land for commercial use. A part of state’s efforts to improve its ease-of-doing-business ranking, the move is expected to ease and fasten the land conversion process for those planning to use agricultural land for commercial development. Moreover, it is also expected to bring transparency and reduce instances of corruption in the system.

“Rising complaints from landowners about harassment and delay by revenue offices prompted the government to simplify the conversion process by using sworn-in affidavits,” said Commissioner of Survey of state’s Settlement and Land Records Department Munish Moudgil.

Earlier, land conversion required applicant to submit over 20 documents, which were submitted across various departments to complete the process. This process took between six months and one year.

However, the new procedure will be affidavit-based, which means the applicant will have to submit an application along with a copy of the mutation record, a copy of RTC or Pahani for the current year and an affidavit with 11E sketch (if applicable). In case a department fails to approve the documents in a given time frame, the revenue department would take it as no objection, further initiating the process to next department in line, eliminating delay. This would mean that land conversion approval could be given within two months. “People wanting to convert agricultural land into a commercial one will no longer need to visit multiple government departments,” Moudgil added.

Here’s how you could apply for land conversion:

• Log onto http://landrecords.karnataka.gov.in/service63

• Provide the RTC details details along with duly sworn-in affidavit (in front of notary) and 11E sketch. 11E sketch is submitted in case a part of the property is to be converted.

• These documents can either be submitted in person at the deputy commissioner’s office or submitted online using Aadhaar number.

• The online application is then sent to the departments concerned and asked to respond within 30 days.

• In case the department doesn’t object in 30 days, it is considered as approved.

• The DC could then decide each case based on merit.