The Karnataka government is considering a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme aimed at upgrading B-Khata properties in the city to A-Khata status. The move is intended to provide homeowners with greater legal clarity and development rights, following earlier initiatives that granted B-Khata status to properties in unauthorised layouts under various urban local bodies.
Urban Development Minister BS Suresha outlined the government’s plan in the Legislative Council, noting that B-Khata currently provides property owners with legal documentation but does not automatically grant construction rights. The proposed OTS scheme would allow homeowners to transition their properties to A-Khata, thereby enabling full development rights.
The B-Khata programme was initially designed to provide legal proof of ownership for properties in unauthorised layouts. However, opposition members, including BJP leaders such as KS Naveen, have criticised the scheme for creating administrative hurdles without facilitating real development. Concerns were raised that obtaining E-Khata required navigating multiple bureaucratic steps while still limiting construction or other usage rights on the properties.
Minister Suresha responded by emphasising that many illegal layouts have emerged in urban and semi-urban areas, with buyers acquiring properties without valid land conversion approvals or sanctioned building plans. B-Khata was intended to secure legal documentation for such owners and provide access to infrastructure like roads, drainage, and electricity. Yet, it does not allow property owners to begin construction on converted revenue land.
Data presented by the minister indicated that 2,747 acres of agricultural land were converted for non-agricultural purposes over the last two years. Dharwad led with 395 acres, followed by Mysuru at 361.2 acres and Chitradurga at 280 acres, highlighting the increasing need for regulatory clarity in urban land management.
During the Legislative Council discussion, opposition leader CT Ravi questioned the effectiveness of B-Khata in offering practical benefits to property owners when construction rights are limited. The minister maintained that the OTS scheme would address these gaps, allowing owners to legally upgrade to A-Khata and secure full development entitlements.
The government is in active discussions with property owners and relevant authorities to finalise the terms of the settlement. Once implemented, the scheme is expected to simplify legal processes, reduce disputes, and provide homeowners with greater security regarding their property rights.
This initiative comes amid rapid urbanisation and unauthorised development, which have complicated land management in Bengaluru. By creating a legal pathway for property regularisation, the OTS scheme could enable thousands of residents to make full use of their holdings while bringing more areas under formal regulatory oversight.
Stakeholders and homeowners are awaiting detailed guidelines on eligibility, fees, and implementation. If approved, the scheme could offer long-sought relief to citizens and contribute to more structured urban development in Karnataka’s capital.
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