Property Rights Must Remain With Owners Says DK Shivakumar During Apartment Bill Consultation

The Karnataka government has assured apartment owners that protecting property rights will remain at the heart of the proposed Karnataka Apartment Ownership and Management Bill 2026. Speaking during an interaction with representatives of apartment associations at Vikas Soudha Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the government understands the challenges faced by homebuyers and is committed to ensuring that property owners enjoy complete ownership and hassle free management of their homes.

The Chief Minister said people invest their lifetime savings to buy a home and therefore they should have full legal control over their property without unnecessary complications. He added that the proposed legislation is being prepared with the objective of addressing long standing concerns related to ownership rights property maintenance and document transfers while creating a transparent framework for apartment residents across the state.

Inviting public participation in the lawmaking process the Chief Minister said citizens resident welfare associations and other stakeholders can submit their suggestions and recommendations on the draft bill until August 6. He encouraged people to send constructive feedback to the Urban Development Minister so that the final legislation reflects practical concerns within the existing legal framework.

Highlighting reforms in property administration Shivakumar said the government has significantly expanded the e Khata system to simplify ownership records. Out of nearly 40 lakh properties in Bengaluru around 26 lakh have already been issued e Khata documents. He noted that the initiative is designed to make property ownership more secure while ensuring smoother transfer of records for apartment owners.

The Chief Minister also addressed infrastructure related issues affecting apartment residents. He said the government is working to improve sewage treatment systems and drinking water facilities in residential complexes. Authorities are also taking steps to resolve complications created by certain developers so that property documentation can be transferred without unnecessary delays or disputes.

During the interaction Shivakumar spoke about the broader vision for Bengaluru’s urban growth. He said the city has been divided into five separate corporations to improve administrative efficiency and make governance more effective. The government is also promoting high rise development alongside road expansion projects to support the city’s growing population and business activity.

One of the major infrastructure projects currently underway is the 132 kilometre Bengaluru Business Corridor also known as the Peripheral Ring Road. According to the Chief Minister the government is providing one of the highest compensation packages in the country for farmers whose land is being acquired for the project. He added that efforts are also being made to simplify redevelopment rules for older buildings while extending support to economically weaker families seeking to build homes.

Shivakumar further stated that Bengaluru continues to attract strong interest from international investors. He said discussions held during his visit to Davos reflected growing confidence in the city’s investment potential. Compared with several other major metropolitan cities Bengaluru still offers relatively balanced property prices making it an attractive destination for businesses and global investors.

The Chief Minister also revealed that plans for a second airport in Bengaluru are progressing as part of the city’s long term expansion strategy. He added that the government has already spent around Rs 4000 crore on improving road infrastructure including repairing potholes and upgrading major roads to support the city’s rapid growth.

The consultation meeting was attended by several senior leaders including Ministers Krishna Byre Gowda Bairathi Suresh and KJ George along with BDA Chairman NA Harris and representatives of apartment associations. The government expressed confidence that continued dialogue with residents and stakeholders would help shape a law that safeguards property owners while improving apartment governance across Karnataka.