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If you are planning to purchase property in the rural areas of Karnataka, understanding the E-Swathu system is crucial. E-Swathu is a government-initiated platform designed to ensure transparency, minimize property fraud, and simplify the property registration process in rural Karnataka. In this blog, we provide a detailed guide to E-Swathu, its features, importance, and how it benefits property owners in Karnataka.

Introduction to E-Swathu

The increasing cases of property fraud and forgeries in Karnataka’s rural areas prompted the government to launch the E-Swathu portal in 2021. Managed by the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, E-Swathu serves as a digital solution for maintaining accurate property records, clarifying ownership details, and facilitating ownership transfers.

This portal is mandatory for property owners in rural Karnataka, and it allows them to access their E-Khata—a digital version of the property account extract. E-Swathu plays a pivotal role in ensuring transparency and reducing disputes over property ownership.

Key Features of E-Swathu

The E-Swathu portal brings multiple features aimed at addressing property-related challenges:

1. Establishing Ownership
   E-Swathu confirms the legal ownership of properties, minimizing fraudulent claims.

2. Maintaining Records
   All property ownership details are digitally stored, ensuring easy access and accurate records.

3. Physical Property Attributes
   The portal includes comprehensive details about the property, including size, location, and other physical attributes.

4. Information Sharing
   E-Swathu facilitates the seamless sharing of property records with Gram Panchayats, courts, and town planning authorities.

5. Property History
   Details of property transfers, inheritance, legal disputes, and acquisitions are systematically documented.

6. Multilingual Support
   Originally developed in Kannada, the portal also offers an English interface for user convenience.

7. Digital Signatures
   Documents on E-Swathu are digitally signed by the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO), enhancing security and authenticity.

Reports Available on the E-Swathu Portal

Users can access a variety of reports through the portal:

• Number of Copies Issued: Tracks the copies of property documents generated.

• Age Pendency Report: Monitors pending cases related to property.

• Kaveri Report: Links property data with the Kaveri Online Services for registration.

• Mojini Report: Provides details about property surveys.

• Sakala Report: Tracks service delivery timelines under the Sakala Mission.

Important Documents on E-Swathu

E-Swathu provides two critical documents: Form 9 and Form 11, both essential for property transactions in rural Karnataka.

Form 9

• Purpose: Used for non-agricultural properties.

• Issuing Authority: Gram Panchayat, under the Gram Panchayat Budgeting and Accounting Rules, 2006.

Criteria for Form 9:

1. The property must be converted to non-agricultural use as per the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964.

2. Approval from the Town and Country Planning Department is required.

3. Verification by the tehsildar and confirmation of the property’s location are necessary.

4. Applicable for properties under government housing schemes like Basava Basti, Ambedkar Housing, or Indira Awas Yojana.

Required Documents for Form 9:

• For Gramathana Properties: A verified property sketch.

• For Disputed Properties: Ownership documents and conversion records.

• For Government Housing Schemes: Hakku Patra and sanction orders.

Form 11

• Purpose: Extracts records of property tax demand, collection, and balances.

• Issuing Authority: Gram Panchayat, under the same accounting rules as Form 9.

Uses of Forms 9 and 11:

1. Property tax collection and payment.

2. Property registration and sale.

3. Verification of ownership for legal purposes.

How to Access E-Swathu

Account Creation

Only authorized government officials, such as Panchayat Development Officers, can create accounts on the E-Swathu portal. However, property owners can access their records through other steps:

1. Visit the E-Swathu website.

2. Navigate to the required service (e.g., Verify Documents).

3. Enter the document or property ID to access details.

Verifying Property Documents

To verify property details:

1. Visit the E-Swathu website.

2. Click on the "Verify Documents" tab.

3. Enter the unique document or certificate number.

Checking Property Status on the Kaveri Portal

E-Swathu integrates with the Kaveri Online Services to provide property registration details. To check property status:

1. Access the E-Swathu portal and click on “Reports.”

2. Select “Kaveri Portal” and enter the property details.

Benefits of E-Swathu

E-Swathu offers numerous advantages to property owners, government officials, and other stakeholders:

1. Transparency: Digitized records reduce fraud and ensure accountability.

2. Efficiency: Streamlines property transactions, from tax payments to ownership transfers.

3. Accessibility: Rural property owners can easily access critical information without visiting multiple offices.

4. Verification: Unique document numbers and holograms allow easy verification of authenticity.

E-Swathu and Property Tax Calculation

E-Swathu simplifies property tax calculations. Here’s how to check your property tax dues:

1. Visit the E-Swathu website.

2. Select “Verify” and then “Property Tax Calculation.”

3. Enter the property details (Property ID and tax year).

4. Submit the details to view the outstanding amount.

E-Swathu Mobile Application

The E-Swathu Bhoomi Land Records-RTC Pahani app is available on the Google Play Store. Although not an official app, it mirrors the functionality of the E-Swathu portal, allowing users to:

1. View Forms 9 and 11.

2. Verify property documents.

Steps to Create Forms 9 and 11

Authorized officials can generate these forms as follows:

1. Log in: Use biometric authentication to log into the portal.

2. Add Property Details: Enter information such as rights, dimensions, and survey numbers.

3. Upload Documents: Submit supporting documents (e.g., ownership proof, tax records).

4. Verify and Approve: Gram Panchayat and Panchayat Development Officers verify and approve the forms.

How E-Swathu Prevents Property Fraud

E-Swathu’s features significantly reduce fraudulent activities:

• Digital Signatures: Prevents tampering with property documents.

• Unique IDs: Ensures every property has a distinct identity.

• Integrated Reports: Links property details with the Kaveri portal for enhanced transparency.

Conclusion

E-Swathu is a transformative initiative by the Karnataka government, ensuring property transactions are secure, transparent, and efficient. By digitizing rural property records, E-Swathu has minimized disputes, enhanced accountability, and simplified processes for property owners. If you own or plan to buy rural property in Karnataka, understanding and utilizing E-Swathu is essential for a hassle-free experience.