Priyank Kharge directs officials to speed up implementation of ‘E-Swathu’ in rural Karnataka

Priyank Kharge : Karnataka Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has directed Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to ensure the effective implementation of the government’s ambitious ‘E-Swathu’ project, which aims to bring nearly one crore rural properties under digital management and regularization.

During a review meeting held on Tuesday to assess the progress of the ‘E-Swathu’ scheme and other developmental programmes, Kharge emphasized that district-level special training sessions should be organized for Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) to familiarize them with the project’s guidelines and legal procedures.

“Millions of rural residents are waiting to benefit from this scheme. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that the process remains transparent, citizen-friendly, and efficient. All officials should be equipped to provide smooth service delivery,” Kharge said.

He also instructed the officers to work closely with district in-charge ministers and local elected representatives, taking them into confidence to make the initiative a public movement.

Expressing concern over poor property tax collection in several districts, the minister urged officials to prioritize tax recovery efforts. “Taluk Panchayat officers must monitor and review tax collection regularly through meetings and field visits,” he added.

Kharge also stressed the need for accountability in grievance redressal, instructing officials to treat public complaints seriously and ensure timely follow-ups. “Details of complaints forwarded to lower-level officers should be tracked, and once resolved, complainants must be informed of the action taken,” he advised.

Top officials, including Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department Secretary Sameer Shukla, Panchayat Raj Commissioner Arundhati Chandrashekar, and senior departmental officers, were present at the meeting.

The ‘E-Swathu’ project, one of the flagship digital governance initiatives of the Karnataka government, is expected to revolutionize rural property documentation by ensuring accurate land records, reducing disputes, and enhancing transparency in ownership and taxation across gram panchayats.

Also Read: Verbal duel erupts between sitting and former MLAs as Malur recounting date fixed