Karnataka eases inheritance land transfer rules for heirs outside state

The Karnataka government has made it easier to transfer agricultural land after a landowner dies.

Legal heirs who live outside the state or abroad can now go ahead with the process.

The process is called Pouthi Khata, or Pouthi mutation.

It moves land records, title deeds and tax documents from a dead owner's name to the rightful heirs.

For years, non-resident Kannadigas, especially NRIs, faced many problems. NRI stands for non-resident Indian.

Key points

• Legal heirs outside Karnataka or abroad can now get inherited farmland records transferred.
• NRIs can submit their passport details instead of Aadhaar-based e-KYC.
• Family tree certificates and other documents can now be uploaded online.
• The change applies to all agricultural land across Karnataka.

So what was stopping families living abroad?

The old system required Aadhaar-based e-KYC, which is identity verification using the Aadhaar number.

This effectively blocked foreign citizens and overseas residents without active Indian mobile numbers.

Local village officials often refused to issue family tree certificates.

They could not physically verify families who had lived abroad for decades.

The revenue portals also rejected death certificates issued overseas.

Heirs had to visit revenue offices in person and submit such documents by hand.

What has changed under the new rules?

The government launched the e-Pouthi Khata facility last year.

However, the procedures for residents outside Karnataka were relaxed only in August this year.

Now NRIs can submit passport details for identification.

Applicants can also upload family tree certificates and other documents online.

The Revenue Commissionerate has also changed the e-Pouthi software.

It now allows transfers to heirs who are permanent residents of other states or foreign countries.

What happens next for officials?

A circular has been sent to all district deputy commissioners and other authorities.

It says a death will no longer cause a software problem just because heirs live outside Karnataka or abroad.

The Revenue Commissioner has directed district officials to make sure staff follow the modified system.

Training has also been given to District Bhoomi Consultants on the software changes.

Sources

• The New Indian Express: New e-Pouthi brings relief to heirs outside Karnataka