E- Governance Initiatives In Karnataka – A Case Study Of Bhoomi Project In Kodagu District

Abstract E-Governance has been recognized as a vital force for improvement in quality, efficiency and effectiveness of governance. Electronic Governance is defined as the application of Information Technology to the processes of Government functioning to bring about Simple, Moral, Accountable, Responsive and Transparent (SMART) Governance. Karnataka has been among front ranking states in adopting e-Governance and has implemented several projects for improving the internal efficiency of the government and delivering better services to the citizens. The Karnataka Information Technology Rules, 2007 provides for a comprehensive process for electronic delivery of e-governance services to citizens. This study examines how Computerised Land Records Management in Karnataka (Bhoomi) has brought transparency, effectiveness and ease in the management and maintenance of the land records. Kodagu was selected as the area of study as it has unique land tenure system like Jamma Tenure, Jagir, Batamanya, Sarvamanya and Jodi, Mathamanya, Gowdumbali and Naimannu, Umbli Tenure, Sagu Tenure. The main source of data collection for this study was through questionnaire and interview with agriculturists, revenue officials and investors on land in Kodagu. The book showcase that Bhoomi project has been beneficial to the stakeholders by minimizing the time and effort in obtaining the required documents from land revenue office. With the computerisation of land records, the manipulation of land records has come down, as it has reduced the discretion of village accountants to issue the records of rights. Bhoomi has brought down bribery at the grassroot level. Computerisation of land records has lead to transparency in land records. The transparency brought by computerisation of land records has helped the purchaser of land to get accurate information of the seller through online portal and can be sure of his investment. However, the book also highlights the flaws in the implementation of Bhoomi projects like land records not being cent percent accurate, server problem, shortage of employees at Bhoomicentre, and like wise.