Latest news with #B-Khata
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
BBMP receives 50,000 e-Khata applications, launches a drive to recover ₹800 crore in dues from 3.75 lakh property owners
Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao has directed officials to issue notices to approximately 3.75 lakh property owners within BBMP limits who have defaulted on property tax payments. These defaulters collectively owe the civic body an estimated ₹700–800 crore in unpaid taxes. BBMP chief Maheshwar Rao has ordered notices to 3.75 lakh property tax defaulters who owe ₹ 700–800 crore in dues. (Representational Image)(Pexels) In addition, BBMP has received over 50,000 applications for new Khatas, and Rao has instructed officials to process these as a priority, noting that timely approvals could significantly boost property tax revenue. Speaking at a review meeting on July 28, Rao emphasised that property tax collection remains a top priority for the civic body. He instructed officials to take more effective measures to enhance tax collection efforts, BBMP said in a statement. Rao said around 3.75 lakh property owners owe BBMP approximately ₹700–800 crore in unpaid property tax. "Notices will be sent via SMS and email. Those who have already paid need not worry, but those with dues should take immediate steps to settle them," he said. Also Read: BBMP to launch online platform for Khata applications in 15 days; Urges citizens to avoid office visits or pay bribes Over 50,000 applications submitted for new khatas Rao noted that BBMP has received more than 50,000 applications for new khatas. He instructed officials to process them on a priority basis, as this will aid in increasing property tax revenue. BBMP also said it plans to roll out an online system for A-Khata applications within the next 15 days. The platform will enable citizens to apply for conversion from B-Khata to A-Khata, or submit a fresh application if they currently have no khata for their property. Also Read: TCS layoffs: Will tech sector job cuts impact real estate prices and make home loan lenders cautious in Bengaluru? A-Khata is an essential document for property owners in Karnataka, necessary for obtaining building approvals, loans, and ensuring full legal recognition of ownership. While A-Khata properties are considered legally compliant and tax-paid, B-Khata properties often fall under irregular or revenue layouts, limiting the owner's access to basic civic services and legal transactions.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
BBMP to launch online platform for Khata applications in 15 days; Urges citizens to avoid office visits or pay bribes
Bengaluru's municipal corporation, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), will roll out an online system for A-Khata applications within the next 15 days, officials said. The platform will enable citizens to apply for conversion from B-Khata to A-Khata, or submit a fresh application if they currently have no khata for their property. BBMP will launch an online system in 15 days for A-Khata applications, allowing B-Khata conversions and fresh applications, officials said. (Representational Image)(Unsplash) The government has issued a clear advisory to citizens, urging them not to visit BBMP offices. 'Do not bribe anyone. The system will be entirely online,' a statement issued by BBMP said. This digital-only route aims to eliminate the long-standing malpractices that have plagued the khata issuance process in the city for years, officials said A-Khata is an essential document for property owners in Karnataka, necessary for obtaining building approvals, loans, and ensuring full legal recognition of ownership. While A-Khata properties are considered legally compliant and tax-paid, B-Khata properties often fall under irregular or revenue layouts, limiting the owner's access to basic civic services and legal transactions. By enabling online applications, the BBMP seeks to overhaul a process that has traditionally involved prolonged delays. Officials said thousands of property owners across the city stand to benefit, particularly those in newly developed layouts or those struggling to get clear titles for resale and loan approvals. Also Read: 'B-Khata properties registered before Sep 30, 2024, are now A-Khata', says Karnataka deputy CM Until the system goes live, officials have advised the property owners to refrain from engaging with agents or visiting BBMP offices. This month, the Karnataka State Cabinet approved the regularisation of B-Khata properties issued by BBMP up to September 2024. This move upgrades them to A-Khata status, granting access to essential civic amenities and providing long-awaited legal clarity to property owners. 'When giving it, we will specify the parameters. If property owners comply with the parameters, then B-Khata will be issued,' Law Minister HK Patil said, addressing the reporters after the Cabinet meeting on July 18. Also Read: What Karnataka's move to exempt small plots from Occupancy Certificates means for Bengaluru's real estate market Experts say that once regularised, B-Khata property owners will get certificates granting legal status, enabling sales, bank loans, and mortgages previously not allowed. On July 14, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar posted on social media platform X that B-Khata properties registered before September 30, 2024, will be 'now A-Khata.''Good news for Bengaluru! The long wait is over; BKhata properties registered before September 30, 2024, are now 'A Khata.' This landmark reform ensures legal ownership, access to essential civic services, and finally puts an end to years of uncertainty. With this reform, we are bringing long- overdue order to the system and ensuring a more planned, inclusive, and empowered Bengaluru,' he wrote on X.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
What Karnataka's move to exempt small plots from Occupancy Certificates means for Bengaluru's real estate market
In a move that could reshape building compliance norms across Karnataka, the state's Urban Development Department (UDD) has proposed exempting residential buildings constructed on plots measuring up to 1,200 square feet from the mandatory requirement of obtaining Occupancy Certificates (OCs). In a move that could reshape building compliance norms across Karnataka, the state's Urban Development Department (UDD) has proposed exempting residential buildings constructed on plots measuring up to 1,200 square feet from the mandatory requirement of obtaining OCs. (Representational Image)(Souptik Datta ) "Buildings up to ground + 2 floors or stilt + 3 floors on plots exceeding 1200 sq ft may be exempted from obtaining occupancy certificate (OC)," the proposal signed by Tushar Giri Nath, additional chief secretary at UDD and accessed by showed. The meeting, chaired by Giri Nath, recommended amendments to key legislations, including the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, and the model building regulations under the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. The proposal to waive OCs for buildings under 1,200 sq ft has sparked a mix of relief and concern among builders, homeowners, and urban planners. While the exemption could ease regulatory burdens on thousands of small property owners, especially in Bengaluru's dense and unplanned neighbourhood, experts fear it may open the floodgates to unsafe, unregulated construction and further strain the city's fragile infrastructure. Also Read: Karnataka Cabinet approves regularisation of B-Khata properties in Bengaluru. Here's what it means for property owners What the proposed exemption means Occupancy Certificates are currently required to ensure a completed building adheres to approved plans, municipal by-laws, and safety norms. Without an OC, a property is technically unfit for occupation and is ineligible for utilities such as water and electricity from government agencies. However, many smaller buildings in Bengaluru and other urban areas are constructed informally, often without OCs, Dhananjaya Padmanabhachar, director of the Karnataka Home Buyers Forum, pointed out. If approved, the exemption would essentially legalise properties, at least those on plots under 1,200 sq ft, offering relief to homeowners who struggle with compliance or whose builders failed to secure the necessary approvals. The move could also reduce red tape for first-time homebuyers or those constructing budget homes, experts say. Also Read: Good news for tenants: Rents may stabilise in 2025 as new supply and infra improve connectivity to peripheral locations Bengaluru needs better real estate regulation, say experts 'If you go to any locality in Bengaluru today, you will find that most buildings have some form of violation; they've deviated from the sanctioned plan in one way or another,' said Padmanabhachar, an expert familiar with the matter. 'As per the Supreme Court's directives, it is the responsibility of the city corporation to regulate and take action against such violations. But under the new amendment, individuals will be allowed to construct on plots below 1,200 sq ft without an occupancy certificate, and the corporation will no longer be held accountable for any deviations.' He cautioned that this could open the door to widespread misuse. 'Instead of enforcing stricter zoning regulations and ensuring planned development, this move may actually encourage more illegal constructions,' he said, pointing out that builders may exploit the exemption to erect ground-plus-two floor structures without adhering to any formal approval norms. 'This move will almost certainly lead to a rise in illegal constructions,' said Vittal BR, an advocate at the Karnataka High Court. 'People will get one sanctioned plan on paper and construct something entirely different in reality, knowing that no occupancy certificate will be required to validate it later.' He said that the exemption could trigger a rush of new construction in smaller plots across the city. 'More and more people will start building on small sites because there's no OC needed. It becomes extremely difficult for authorities to monitor or control these developments, especially when deviations from the approved plan go unchecked. In the long run, it might impact the city's planning and safety standards.'
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
'B-Khata properties registered before Sep 30, 2024, are now A-Khata', says Karnataka deputy CM
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has said that the 'long wait is over,' as B-Khata properties registered before September 30, 2024, 'are now A-Khata.' Calling it a landmark reform, he said the move ensures legal ownership, access to civic services, and puts an end to years of uncertainty. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has said that the 'long wait is over,' as B-Khata properties registered before September 30, 2024, 'are now A-Khata.' (Representational Image)(Wiki Commons ) 'Good news for Bengaluru! The long wait is over; BKhata properties registered before September 30, 2024, are now 'A Khata.' This landmark reform ensures legal ownership, access to essential civic services, and finally puts an end to years of uncertainty. With this reform, we are bringing long- overdue order to the system and ensuring a more planned, inclusive, and empowered Bengaluru,' he said on X. In a major relief for thousands of property owners across Bengaluru, the Karnataka State Cabinet approved the regularisation of B-Khata properties issued by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) up to September 2024 last week. These properties can now be upgraded to A-Khata status, granting access to essential civic amenities such as electricity, water and sewage connections and providing long-awaited legal clarity to property owners. 'Long-awaited relief for B Khata property owners! Our government is taking a decision step by granting A Khata status, unlocking legal recognition and access to essential civic amenities like electricity, water and sanitation. This move isn't just administrative, it's about building a more inclusive, planned, and connected Bengaluru, where every family has the right to live with dignity and security,' the deputy CM had said last week. 'When giving it, we will specify the parameters. If property owners comply with the parameters, then B-Khata will be issued,' Law Minister HK Patil had told reporters after the Cabinet meeting on July 18. "To avail B-Khata, there will be certain parameters too. While A-Khata will be a perfect document, B-Khata certificates will be issued for properties with some lacunae, but with some exemptions," he had said. Also Read: Karnataka Cabinet approves regularisation of B-Khata properties in Bengaluru. Here's what it means for property owners Officials told that 'All B-Khata property owners can now apply for their property documents, which the BBMP will issue upon completion of the necessary due diligence.' "Now there will be no A-Khata or B-Khata; all such B-Khata properties will get E-Khata, which is the digital property document that the state government has started issuing since October last year," explained Anil Kalgi, secretary of Bangalore City Flat Owners' Association (BCFOA). Once regularised, B-Khata property owners will get certificates granting legal status, enabling sales, bank loans, and mortgages previously not allowed, experts said. What is a B-Khata? B-Khata is a type of property record maintained by the BBMP for properties that do not fully comply with legal and planning norms. These include buildings in unauthorised layouts, constructions without approved plans, or those lacking occupancy certificates. Even though these properties are not entirely legal, owners are still required to pay property tax, and their details are recorded for tax purposes. Also Read: Bengaluru real estate: From July 1, e-Khata mandatory for all BBMP properties. Have you got yours? However, owning a B-Khata property comes with several drawbacks. These properties are not considered fully legal and face restrictions when it comes to selling, getting building approvals, or applying for trade licenses. Banks and financial institutions usually do not offer loans against them. Compared to A-Khata properties, which are fully compliant with local laws, B-Khata properties generally have lower market value and limited legal benefits, experts say. Currently, B-Khata properties fall outside the scope of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (KTCP) Act, 1961, leaving them unregulated and prone to violations, often resulting in unsafe constructions. To address this, the government has proposed granting A-Khata status to buildings constructed on unauthorised layouts whether currently without any Khata or holding a B-Khata under Section 17 of the KTCP Act, provided they meet specified conditions, experts said. The cut-off date for eligibility is September 30, 2024, for B-Khata properties where construction, single or multi-storeyed, has already taken place. This aligns with the provisions of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, which prohibits issuing B-Khatas for unauthorised properties created after that date, they said.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Big relief for Bengaluru property owners: B-Khatas to be treated as A-Khatas
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the regularization of B-Khata properties in Bengaluru issued up to September 30, 2024, granting them A-Khata status and access to essential civic amenities. This decision aims to bring discipline to property development and resolve long-standing legal ambiguities. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads In a landmark move set to benefit thousands of property owners across Bengaluru, the Karnataka Cabinet has approved the regularization of B-Khata properties issued by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) up to September 30, 2024. These properties will now be eligible for A-Khata recognition , bringing long-awaited legal clarity and opening access to civic amenities like electricity, water, and sewage decision was announced on Thursday by Law Minister H.K. Patil following the cabinet meeting. 'This step has been taken to bring discipline to the city's property development ecosystem and control illegal or unregulated constructions,' he stated.B-Khatas have long been a source of legal ambiguity. Originally issued since 2009 for properties that didn't meet BBMP's planning or zoning norms, B-Khatas effectively excluded these properties from receiving occupancy certificates (OC), completion certificates (CC), and utility connections. With the issuance of B-Khatas halted from September 30, 2024, the government faced mounting pressure to resolve the status of properties issued such documents in the interim cabinet meeting resulted in a consensus that B-Khatas issued based on legitimate government circulars would now be treated on par with A-Khatas. In instances where the supporting documentation is unclear or absent, the properties will still be eligible for legal regularization under revised guidelines to be notified shortly.'This move is a major relief for thousands of homeowners who have faced bureaucratic hurdles for years. It will also streamline BBMP's processes regarding OC, CC, and approval of building plans,' Patil line with this decision, the cabinet also addressed another long-pending issue—land acquisition anomalies by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). The cabinet resolved to withdraw 29 notifications under Section 48(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1984, thereby regularizing lands that were previously caught in legal developments come amid broader administrative reforms proposed under the Greater Bengaluru Administration Bill, 2024. A report by a Joint Review Committee, chaired by MLA Rizwan Arshad, recommended the creation of additional municipal corporations to better manage the city's urban sprawl. Acting on this suggestion, the cabinet approved the formation of five new municipal corporations in the Greater Bengaluru to sources, the decision to expand the number of corporations was based on long-term governance needs and population trends. Further consultations with elected representatives will determine the operational structure and boundaries of these new municipal these measures represent a significant restructuring of Bengaluru's urban management framework. By resolving B-Khata disputes and decentralizing municipal governance, the Karnataka government aims to bring greater accountability, better service delivery, and legal clarity to property ownership in one of India's fastest-growing real-estate markets.
