Bengaluru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recently said the government was fully aware of the challenges faced by apartment owners in the state and was committed to ensuring that full ownership rights rest with the property owner.
Speaking at an interaction with representatives of Apartment Associations on the proposed Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Act, 2026, the Chief Minister said the legislation had been brought in to safeguard the interests of property buyers and address long-pending issues relating to apartment ownership, registration and management.
‘World looking at Bengaluru’
“Our objective is to help people who have worked hard to build a roof over their heads. Owning a home is not easy, and the government has a responsibility to ensure that citizens enjoy their property without unnecessary hurdles,” he said.
E-Khata revolution
Highlighting the reforms of the government, Shivakumar said the government had brought about an e-Khata “revolution” by delivering the service to citizens’ doorsteps.
“Out of nearly 40 lakh properties in Bengaluru, about 26 lakh have already been issued e-Khatas. No other city in the country has implemented such a system on this scale,” he claimed.
The Chief Minister said the government had introduced reforms to improve drinking water supply through groundwater recharge initiatives and the Cauvery Phase-V project and underground drainage facilities in apartment areas.
He acknowledged that some developers did create trouble in transferring property documents to owners after sale and assured citizens that the government would engage with them to ensure smooth and hassle-free transfer process.
The Chief Minister also invited apartment owners and stakeholders to submit their suggestions on the proposed legislation to the Bengaluru Development Minister until August 6.
“This legislation has been drafted solely for the benefit of property buyers,” he said.
The Chief Minister also said the government had created five city corporations to improve governance and ensure faster resolution of civic issues in areas such as Electronic City, airport region and other growing localities.
‘Dialogue, not litigation’
“We want to resolve issues through dialogue rather than litigation. The voice of the people must become the voice of the government. Let us all work together as “Team Karnataka,” he said.
Assuring the people that the government was committed to resolving Bengaluru’s long-pending civic issues, the Chief Minister said Bengaluru had nearly 1.35 crore vehicles and that the government had spent around Rs. 4,000 crore on road improvement and pothole repair works recently.
He also said the government was committed to helping economically weaker sections build houses and has taken steps to provide government services and essential documents at citizens’ doorsteps.
Thumbs up for high-rises
“The government is now encouraging vertical growth through high-rise buildings while simultaneously widening roads and strengthening infrastructure,” Shivakumar said, while acknowledging that the 132-km Peripheral Ring Road (Bengaluru Business Corridor) was under construction, and that Karnataka was among the few states which provided the highest compensation for land acquisition.
The Chief Minister stressed that all construction must comply with legal norms and said that land prices would become more affordable in the future.
“Property prices in Mumbai are significantly higher, making Bengaluru a more attractive destination for investment. That is why world leaders are looking at Bengaluru,” he said.
Responding to queries from apartment owners, the Chief Minister said the government was already working towards making rainwater harvesting mandatory in apartment complexes.
Recalling his visit to Davos, the Chief Minister said international investors had expressed strong interest in investing in Bengaluru.
“Many investors see Bengaluru as a preferred destination because investing in Mumbai and several other cities is more expensive. The upcoming second airport will further strengthen Bengaluru’s position as a global investment hub,” he said.
