Bengaluru: In a major relief for apartment residents, the Karnataka government is considering a one-time relaxation that would allow the conversion of B-Khata properties into A-Khata in Bengaluru, potentially benefiting lakhs of homeowners.
Sources said the government is inclined to extend A-Khata status to B-Khata plots, buildings and flats located in authorised layouts under municipal corporation limits. The proposal, however, is likely to apply only to properties that are otherwise legitimate but were classified as B-Khata due to violations under the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1961.
Officials said penalties will be imposed based on the extent of encroachment and building deviations. There are currently over 10 lakh B-Khata properties in the city, and the government is also exploring the possibility of extending rules framed under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to other areas.
The proposed A-Khata conversion is expected to significantly augment government revenue, with fines linked to violations and deviations from approved building plans.
Property owners will be able to apply online for e-Khata conversion to A-Khata. Payment of the current year’s property tax will be mandatory. Submission of an approved building plan is also compulsory, and buildings constructed beyond the sanctioned plan will attract a penalty of up to 50% of the government guideline value.
In addition, a conversion fee of 5% of the guideline value will have to be paid. Only apartments built on land that already has a B-Khata will be considered eligible.
Flat owners will be required to submit individual applications, following which authorities will verify the documents before issuing A-Khata certificates, sources said.
