BENGALURU: Following the conferral of B-khata status to properties in unauthorized layouts across various urban local bodies, the government is now contemplating a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme aimed at upgrading these properties to A-khata status.
Urban Development Minister BS Suresha announced this in the legislative council on Tuesday, amidst opposition criticisms related to the ongoing E-khata issue.
Addressing the call for a review from the opposition, Suresha remarked, “B-khata grants owners legal documentation for their properties. We are now considering transitioning these properties to A-khata with the introduction of a one-time settlement (OTS).”
This announcement follows criticisms from BJP and JD(S) members, who accused the government of failing the E-khata initiative. BJP’s KS Naveen stated, “Rather than relieving citizens, E-khata has turned into an enforcement tool, causing unnecessary harassment and hardship.” He added, “Navigating numerous hurdles to obtain E-khata does not empower citizens to construct homes, as it remains merely a piece of paper.”
In response, Suresha explained, “Various illegal layouts have emerged in towns and cities, with citizens purchasing properties devoid of valid land conversion documents or approval from competent authorities. Our significant effort in providing B-khata enabled them to secure legitimate khatas, allowing them access to government roads and infrastructure. However, B-khata does not authorize construction on converted revenue land.”
To this, BJP’s CT Ravi questioned, “What value does B-khata hold if individuals are not permitted to build on their properties?”
During the discussion, Suresha presented data indicating that in the last two years, 2,747 acres of agricultural land had been converted for non-agricultural use. Dharwad district led with 395 acres, followed by Mysuru (361.2 acres) and Chitradurga (280 acres).
