HD Kumaraswamy Criticizes Bengaluru's B-Khata to A-Khata Conversion Scheme as Financial Burden on Citizens

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has launched a vehement critique of the Karnataka government's recently introduced B-Khata to A-Khata conversion scheme in Bengaluru, raising concerns about its accessibility for average citizens and describing it as 'extortion'.

In his response to the initiative, Kumaraswamy stated, "For B-Khata to A-Khata conversion, they've implemented an application fee of Rs 500, plus an additional 5 percent of the property's guidance value. Property owners with revenue sites who have diligently paid corporation taxes now face expenses of Rs 2-8 lakh for a standard 30x40 sq ft site. I question where ordinary citizens will find these funds for site conversion."

He further remarked, "The government stands to generate Rs 10-15 thousand crores from this scheme. So we must ask: Is this truly a Diwali gift to the people, or rather a forced contribution from citizens to the government?"

In Karnataka, Khata serves as an official document that registers a property's tax account with the local municipal authority or corporation. A-khata is issued to legitimate properties that have received approval from government planning organizations like the Bangalore Development Authority, while B-khata designates properties lacking formal government authorization.

Kumaraswamy emphasized that although the government has presented the scheme as a one-time settlement to regularize B-Khata sites, it places a significant financial strain on middle-class families who have consistently paid their property taxes.

"Through this fee structure alone, the government is extracting hundreds of crores. For a modest 30x40 plot, they're demanding between Rs 4 to 8 lakh. Previously, residents only needed to pay Rs 10,000-Rs 13,000. Now, they're being compelled to pay in lakhs. Through this A-Khata scheme, which I consider a scam, the state government is effectively collecting Rs 15,000 crore," he asserted.

The state Cabinet had endorsed a procedure enabling eligible B-Khata site owners (excluding apartments and multi-story buildings) to convert their properties to A-Khata by paying 5 percent of the guidance value, along with a Rs 500 application fee for larger plots. The government maintains that the initiative aims to improve urban property records and address long-standing B-Khata ownership issues.

DK Shivakumar had characterized this as a groundbreaking decision and a sixth guarantee of the Congress government, describing it as a Diwali gift to the citizenry.