In a landmark decision aimed at streamlining property ownership and enhancing municipal revenue, the Karnataka state cabinet has given its green light to a comprehensive policy for converting B-Khata properties to A-Khata. This significant move, approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is set to be implemented across all urban local bodies in the state, including the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
What Does the New Policy Entail?
The core of the cabinet's decision is the creation of a structured framework that allows property owners holding a B-Khata document to upgrade to an A-Khata certificate. For the uninitiated, a B-Khata is essentially a temporary register for properties that have violated building bylaws, are built on revenue land, or lack proper approvals. In contrast, an A-Khata is the permanent, legal ledger for fully compliant properties, crucial for obtaining bank loans and building plan sanctions.
The policy is not a blanket amnesty. It comes with specific conditions that property owners must fulfill to be eligible for conversion. The cabinet has delegated the authority to the state government to prescribe the necessary guidelines, documentation, and fees for this process. This move is expected to bring a large number of currently non-compliant properties into the formal taxation net, thereby significantly boosting the revenue of urban civic bodies.
Addressing Long-Standing Urban Challenges
This decision directly tackles a persistent issue in Karnataka's urban landscape, especially in Bengaluru. Thousands of properties have existed in a legal gray area with B-Khata, limiting owners' ability to transact freely and depriving civic bodies of substantial property tax income. By offering a path to regularization, the government aims to resolve ownership ambiguities and integrate these properties into the official urban fabric.
The cabinet's approval follows the recommendations of a cabinet sub-committee that was formed to deliberate on this complex matter. The policy's statewide application ensures a uniform approach to property regularization, moving beyond Bengaluru to benefit citizens in other growing cities and towns across Karnataka.
Implications for Property Owners and Civic Administration
The implications of this policy are far-reaching. For property owners, successful conversion to A-Khata will mean legally secure ownership, the ability to easily secure loans, and permission for future construction or modification. It removes a major hurdle in the real estate market, potentially increasing the value and marketability of such properties.
For municipal corporations and the BBMP, this is a strategic financial decision. Bringing a vast pool of B-Khata properties under the regular tax assessment regime will lead to a sustained increase in property tax collections. This enhanced revenue can be channeled back into improving urban infrastructure, sanitation, and civic amenities, creating a positive cycle of development. The policy represents a pragmatic step towards formalizing urban growth and ensuring better governance and planning for Karnataka's cities.
While the cabinet has approved the policy's principle, the citizenry now awaits the detailed government order outlining the exact procedural steps, required documents, and the fee structure for the conversion process. This order will be the crucial next step in turning this policy decision into actionable reality for lakhs of property owners in Karnataka.
