BENGALURU: Following the state government’s easing of the Supreme Court-mandated Occupancy Certificate (OC) rule for property owners within Greater Bengaluru limits, there is now hope for thousands of homeowners in gram panchayat areas as well.
During a meeting with Energy Minister KJ George, Bengaluru’s MLAs and MLCs requested an extension of the same exemption to panchayat areas, particularly those on the outskirts of GBA. The minister assured the legislators that relief for these residents would be forthcoming.
Yeshwanthpur MLA ST Somashekhar highlighted the challenges faced by citizens, noting that much of Bengaluru’s real estate development is occurring in panchayat-governed areas. He pointed out that constituencies like Yeshwanthpur, Bengaluru South, and Mahadevapura include large areas under gram panchayat jurisdiction. “The government’s exemption from the OC rule only covers properties within GBA limits and urban local bodies, while rural areas remain unaccounted for,” he stated.
In response, George indicated that efforts to provide relief for households within panchayat limits are underway. “We acknowledge the issue. A proposal has been forwarded to the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) department. Once approved by the minister, the energy department will facilitate electricity connections for eligible residences, even those lacking an OC,” he explained.
The legislators also noted that the current exemption applies only to buildings of up to two floors. However, many residents in Bengaluru’s outskirts have constructed three- and four-story homes that also require assistance. George informed them that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has directed the law department to explore legal pathways to create a suitable exemption for these structures as well.
