Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday, 15 July assured apartment owners across Bengaluru that his government is committed to delivering complete ownership rights under the proposed Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Maintenance) Bill, 2026, and invited public feedback on the draft legislation until 6 August. The assurance came during a direct interaction with representatives of apartment associations convened to discuss the bill's provisions.

What the Bill Proposes

Shivakumar described the legislation as a measure to safeguard the interests of property buyers, saying the government welcomes all suggestions and objections that fall within the legal framework. Feedback is to be submitted to Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda by the 6 August deadline.

“The bill is being brought in to safeguard the interests of property buyers. We welcome all suggestions and opinions that are within the framework of the law,” Shivakumar said. He added that the government is “fully aware of the problems faced by property owners” and that “people’s voice should become the government’s voice.”

Bhu Guarantee and e-Khata Progress

The Chief Minister said the proposed ‘Bhu Guarantee’ — described as the sixth guarantee of his government — has received an encouraging response as a mechanism to secure property rights. He also highlighted the state’s digital land-records push, noting that out of 40 lakh properties in Bengaluru, e-Khatas have been issued for 26 lakh properties.

“There is no other system like this anywhere in the country. We have taken e-Khata services to people’s doorsteps,” he said. The government has also introduced reforms addressing civic issues in apartment complexes, including sewage treatment plants (STPs), drinking water supply, and groundwater recharge initiatives, alongside the ongoing Cauvery Phase V water project.

Developer Disputes and Decentralisation

Shivakumar acknowledged that some developers have complicated the transfer of property documents and said the government would engage with them directly to streamline the process. On governance, he reiterated a commitment to decentralisation, with five city corporations proposed to improve administrative efficiency and ease of doing business in Bengaluru.

“We are committed to resolving issues in areas surrounding the airport, Electronic City and major apartment clusters. Decentralisation of power is one of our government’s priorities,” he said.

Infrastructure Investments and Bengaluru’s Global Appeal

The Chief Minister pointed to significant infrastructure spending, including ₹4,000 crore spent exclusively on filling potholes and improving roads across a city with 1.35 crore registered vehicles. He also highlighted the planned 132-km Peripheral Ring Road, known as the Bengaluru Business Corridor, and a proposed second airport as key enablers of the city’s investment appeal.

Shivakumar said global investors continue to view Bengaluru favourably, citing conversations at Davos where several investors expressed interest. “Property prices here remain more affordable compared to cities like Mumbai, which is why investors are drawn to the city,” he said. He also confirmed the government is actively considering making rainwater harvesting mandatory in apartment complexes statewide.

Key Officials Present

Ministers Krishna Byre Gowda, Byrathi Suresh, and K.J. George, along with BDA Chairman N.A. Harris and Apartment Association President Rajeev Gowda, attended the interaction. The bill’s next steps will depend on the volume and nature of public feedback received before the 6 August deadline.