The Hindu 30.12.2010
BBMP proposes one-time conversion fee for revenue sites
| It does not apply to buildings that have violated bye-laws |
BIG MOVE:If the proposal comes through, an estimated five lakh properties stand to benefit
Bangalore: For those eagerly awaiting the Akrama-Sakrama scheme — now in a limbo — to get their sites regularised, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has proposed an alternative to collect a one-time conversion fee. However, this pertains only to converted revenue land, and not properties violating building bye-laws.
Those who stand to benefit are owners of properties for which conversion charges have not been remitted to the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Urban) or those that don't have approved layout sketches. There are an estimated five lakh such properties in the newly added areas in the city.
Passing a resolution to this effect, the BBMP Council on Wednesday has recommended to the State Government to amend the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (KTCP) Act and the Karnataka Land Revenue Act. If this is accepted, this will bring a revenue of at least Rs. 500 crore along with another proposed improvement charge. The BBMP will collect the amount and remit it to the DC (Urban) Office, for which a nominal administrative charge is expected to be levied.
Significant move
This proposal assumes importance in the light of BBMP stopping khatas to sites in layouts formed without approval from the Bangalore Development Authority, Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority or Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority. “This will help those who want their sites regularised. Property owners can just pay the requisite charges and get khata,” an official told The Hindu.
Terming this move as “far reaching,” the official said this will provide an opportunity for people to get their properties regularised. As far as the number of such properties is concerned, the BBMP does not have a database. “We expect people to voluntarily come forward.”
The rate for the conversion fee will be as applicable under the KTCP Act.
The official clarified that the conversion fee will not be applicable for buildings as they can only be regularised under the Akrama-Sakrama scheme.
Meanwhile, Mayor S.K. Nataraj maintained that people are ready to pay the charges, however high, to get a khata. “If they wait for Akrama-Sakrama, they will have to pay more. In our proposal, rates are lower.”
“We have sought amendment of Section 466 of the KTCP Act. However, we may not be able to collect the conversion fees this financial year,” clarified P.N. Sadashiva, chairperson of Standing Committee for Taxation and Finance.