BBMP proposal to introduce betterment charges

A proposal to introduce betterment charges in the city was sent to the Finance and Taxation Committee and is set to be presented before the council for approval.

The newly-added areas to the city corporation had little or no planning until they were brought under the new extended Palike.

As a result, the Palike has lost crores of rupees due to non-collection of betterment charges in these areas.

The Palike budget, announced earlier this year, expected Rs 120 crore as revenue from this source.

Express had on September 19 reported that the court order to stop issue of Khatas in 2007 has put Palike under financial constraints.

The palike is hoping to get a nod on the proposal to have one source of revenue generation.

While those living in the newly-added areas under the Palike may find themselves shelling out this onetime charge, this would add tremendous value to their land.

The High Court had asked the government to first frame rules for applying these taxes and set rates before collecting the betterment charges to contain the growing number of private layouts that violated norms.

The order that came into force more than four years ago has ensured that no new buildings have got Khatas and proving them illegal.

Yeddyurappa inspects BDA’s development work

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa paid a visit to the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) on Wednesday to check on the progress of developmental works across the city.

Speaking to BDA officials, he told them to complete projects on time.

He said four mini Lalbaghs would be developed to peripheral Ring Road and new layouts will be constructed.

Also, the chief minister announced that they would build 40,000 houses for the economically weaker sections of the society.