Karnataka approves B Khata conversion scheme

In a major relief to property owners in Bengaluru, the Karnataka cabinet has approved the conversion of over five lakh ‘B’ khata properties to ‘A’ khata status within Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) limits. The decision is aimed at regularising unauthorised land holdings and improving urban infrastructure.

As per the new policy, property owners must pay 5% of the guideline value of their land to complete the conversion process. This move is expected to bring greater order to the city’s rapidly growing and often unplanned real estate landscape. The revised rules apply to around 500,000 plots that currently hold ‘B’ khata status and have not undergone land use conversion or received official development approvals. The conversion will be considered under nine specific eligibility criteria.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the conversion applies strictly to plots. Any structures built on these plots without prior approval will continue to be classified as unauthorised, even if the land itself is regularised under ‘A’ khata. Key guidelines specify that only plots situated on public roads are eligible. The initiative aims to legalise land ownership, not validate unauthorised buildings.

The government has also stopped issuing new ‘B’ khata certificates and is working toward a unified property account system to simplify urban governance. Officials from the Urban Planning Department say this reform will enhance transparency, increase revenue, streamline property records, and lay the foundation for the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Authority. Property owners have been urged to apply promptly to benefit from the conversion scheme.