The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : BBMP to collect double property tax from violators

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Sep 29, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

BBMP to collect double property tax from violators

Staff Reporter

More than 80,000 applications for regularisation sold since September 14

Survey on to find out the number of illegal constructions
‘Good response
to regularisation
scheme’

BANGALORE: “It’s now or never,” says the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) handbook on regularisation of certain unauthorised developments or constructions.

Then, what will happen to those who do not use this opportunity to get the violations regularised by December 14, the last date to apply? They might have to pay double property tax.

The BBMP, which is planning to strictly enforce the existing provisions of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, will start slapping assessment charges and penalty on property owners, whose buildings will continue to be unauthorised even after the three-month period for getting the violations regularised is over.

BBMP Commissioner S. Subramanya told The Hindu that a survey was being conducted to find out the number of illegal constructions and the extent of deviation made by property owners across the city. “According to Section 112-C of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976, whoever unlawfully constructs or reconstructs any building or part of building in violation of any conditions of building plan is liable to pay a penalty every year. Such a penalty shall be equal to twice the property tax levied on such a building until its regularisation,” he said quoting the Act.

“This is nothing new and the 2003 amendment to the Act enables the civic body to levy double taxes on property owners whose constructions are unlawful. It is unfortunate this rule was not enforced so far. We can start it right away,” he said.

Claiming that there was good response to the regularisation scheme, the commissioner said more than 80,000 applications were sold so far. The BBMP had tied up with the Postal Department, Apex Bank and the Directorate of BangaloreOne to implement the Karnataka Town and Country Planning (Regularisation of Unauthorised Development or Constructions) Rules 2007 from September 14.

All violations pertaining to town planning, zoning regulations, setback and floor area ratio (FAR) that have come up before February 3, 2007 when the rules were framed are eligible for regularisation.

Eight screening committees (one in each zone) had been set up to verify the applications and more would be set up if required.

The BBMP handbook on regularisation has all details on how to apply. It also has the list of centres where the applications can be bought and submitted and details of the prescribed fee.

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