The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has incorporated blockchain technology to fortify its e-Khata system, enhancing data security and making it resilient against hacking attempts. This move aims to ensure transparency and safeguard property records from manipulation, providing a reliable digital platform for property owners.
On October 1, the BBMP introduced the e-Khata system, allowing property owners to access and download electronic versions of A or B khatas. This digital initiative enables property owners to apply for their e-Khata documents through the official portal, streamlining the process for greater efficiency.
Blockchain as the Foundation of Security
With technical support from the National Informatics Centre (NIC), BBMP has adopted blockchain technology, a system that stores data across multiple interconnected nodes in a digital chain. Often compared to the mechanisms used in cryptocurrency, blockchain relies on a chain of blocks to record transactions securely in a decentralized ledger. Each block in the chain references the previous one, creating an irreversible and tamper-evident record that is nearly impossible to alter.
According to BBMP officials, blockchain’s decentralized storage ensures that data is stored in numerous nodes simultaneously, functioning as replicas of one another. This architecture protects the system from unauthorized changes, as any transaction recorded is verified by all interconnected blocks.
Practical Use Cases for Blockchain in e-Khata
The blockchain-enabled system enhances property record accuracy by automatically identifying and flagging inconsistencies. For example, if an individual applies for a mutation of khata after purchasing a property and the seller had fraudulently sold government land as private land, the system would block the mutation request. Once the mutation details are uploaded, the interconnected blocks verify the transaction and flag any discrepancies in the property’s title, effectively preventing fraudulent updates.
Similarly, if a fraudulent property owner attempts to download an e-Khata, the blockchain system detects irregularities during the verification process and blocks the download. This automated error detection mechanism ensures that property records remain accurate and secure.
Robust Infrastructure to Prevent Tampering
BBMP has established numerous blocks to safeguard its e-Khata data. The system’s design ensures that even if a hacker attempts to alter data in one block, the remaining blocks retain the original data, making unauthorized changes futile. This distributed approach enhances data integrity and fortifies the e-Khata system against cyber threats.
Modernizing Property Management in Bengaluru
The integration of blockchain technology marks a significant step forward in BBMP’s efforts to modernize property management in Bengaluru. By employing a secure, transparent, and decentralized system, the BBMP has created a platform that not only ensures the accuracy of property records but also enhances public trust in its governance.
This initiative reflects how blockchain technology, traditionally associated with cryptocurrency, can be effectively applied to public administration to address challenges like data manipulation and fraud. BBMP’s adoption of this cutting-edge solution could serve as a model for similar digital transformation efforts in other regions.