Bengaluru's A-Khata Approval Process Faces Major Hurdles
For countless property owners in Bengaluru, obtaining an A-khata certificate remains a daunting challenge. Recent official statistics highlight a severe bottleneck, with a mere 818 properties being granted this crucial legal status over the past six months. This sluggish pace under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) underscores deep-rooted structural problems that are stalling progress across the city.
Low Application and Approval Rates Expose Systemic Issues
The conversion process from B-khata to A-khata, which officially commenced on October 15 last year, has seen disappointingly low engagement. Despite an estimated 8.2 lakh B-khata properties in Bengaluru, only 8,308 applications have been submitted to date. Of these, a paltry 10% have been approved, leaving a staggering 7,490 applications in a state of limbo. This low turnout and approval rate point to significant barriers that property owners are facing.
Documentation Gaps and Legal Complexities Slow Progress
A senior GBA official identified the primary obstacle as inadequate documentation from applicants. Many property owners lack essential records such as approved layout plans, building sanctions, or clear road access documentation. The process is further complicated by legal requirements; for instance, properties on private roads must first undergo a procedure where these roads are declared public, followed by a mandatory 30-day objection period before any further scrutiny.
"Each application involves rigorous legal verification, public notice, and technical scrutiny. It is not a simple conversion exercise," the official emphasized, highlighting the intricate nature of the approval mechanism.
Financial Burden Deters Property Owners
Affordability concerns are another major deterrent for property owners. The financial obligations associated with conversion include:
- A base application fee of Rs 500
- 5% of the guidance value for plots up to 2,000 square meters
- Additional land conversion penalties and other charges
Given that a large proportion of B-khata properties are owned by lower- and middle-income households, many are unable or unwilling to shoulder these substantial costs. Another GBA official from the West zone noted, "Affordability is a serious concern. We're seeing reluctance from property owners because the cumulative charges can be substantial. There is a need to revisit the fee structure if we want higher compliance."
Digitisation Efforts Show Progress Amid Challenges
On a positive note, digitisation initiatives have made significant strides. Over 25.1 lakh property records across five municipal corporations have been digitised as part of the broader e-khata drive. This effort has resulted in:
- 9.6 lakh applications received
- E-khata issued for 5.5 lakh A-khata properties
- E-khata issued for 2.7 lakh B-khata properties
However, 1.3 lakh applications have been rejected, further underscoring the systemic challenges in the approval process. While digitisation is advancing, it has not yet alleviated the core issues of documentation and affordability that are crippling the A-khata conversion efforts.
The ongoing crisis in Bengaluru's property regularization highlights an urgent need for policy reforms and streamlined procedures to assist property owners in achieving legal compliance.
