The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has adopted the BDA (Amendment) Bill, 2026, providing a 50% reduction in regularisation charges for over 1.11 lakh unauthorised houses within BDA layouts. This landmark move aims to provide legal property documents to thousands of residents.
- BDA (Amendment) Bill, 2026 passed, reducing regularisation fees by 50% for unauthorised houses.
- Benefits approximately 1,11,560 homeowners facing document and Khata uncertainty.
- BDA Commissioner granted powers to sanction up to ₹5 crore for urgent maintenance and repairs.
BENGALURU: In a significant move to resolve long-standing urban housing issues, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Thursday adopted the BDA (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill is designed to provide substantial relief to approximately 1,11,560 unauthorised houses located within BDA layouts by slashing the regularisation charges by a massive 50%.
While piloting the Bill, Greater Bengaluru Area Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda explained the complex history of these properties. Over several decades, various unauthorised private layouts became intertwined with lands acquired by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). Consequently, many houses remained intact but lacked legal standing, leaving owners in a state of perpetual uncertainty without valid property documents or Khata.
Revised Fee Structure for Regularisation
To facilitate the legalisation process, the government has introduced a tiered fee structure based on the size of the property and its guidance value. The new, reduced rates are as follows:
| Site Size (Feet) | Revised Charge (% of Guidance Value) |
|---|---|
| Up to 20 x 30 | 5% |
| Above 20 x 30 to 30 x 40 | 12.5% |
| Above 30 x 40 to 40 x 60 | 25% |
| Above 40 x 60 to 50 x 80 | 25% + Prescribed Penalty |
BozokMedia analysis shows that this strategic reduction is likely to trigger a surge in property documentation, effectively bringing thousands of properties into the formal economy and increasing the state's long-term revenue through organized property taxes.
Empowering the BDA Commissioner
Beyond regularisation, the Bill seeks to streamline the administrative efficiency of the BDA. It proposes to increase the Commissioner’s powers, allowing them to sanction funds up to ₹5 crore for urgent works. This includes the critical repair and maintenance of BDA flats, villas, and public layouts, ensuring that infrastructure does not deteriorate due to bureaucratic delays.
This legislative reform is a masterstroke in balancing urban law enforcement with humanitarian relief for middle-class homeowners.
In addition to the BDA Bill, the Assembly also adopted the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which introduces penalties for non-completion of layout development works. Furthermore, the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Heritage Area Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was passed to restructure the appointment processes for the authority's members.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for the 50% charge reduction?
Owners of unauthorised houses located within BDA layouts who can provide necessary property documents are eligible.
2. Why was the Commissioner's fund limit increased?
The limit was increased to ₹5 crore to allow for rapid response to urgent maintenance and repair needs in BDA-managed properties.
