Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday said that his government is committed to ensuring complete ownership rights for property owners and addressing long-pending issues faced by apartment residents across Bengaluru.
In his address at an interaction with representatives of apartment associations on the proposed Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Maintenance) Bill, 2026, Shivakumar said the government's objective is to make Bengaluru "the heart of India" and ensure that the voices of citizens are reflected in governance.
Inviting public feedback on the proposed legislation, he said suggestions and objections could be submitted to Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda until August 6. "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," he said. "The government is fully aware of the problems faced by property owners. Those who purchase property should have complete rights over it. People's voice should become the government's voice," the Chief Minister said.
He said the state government has received an encouraging response to its proposed "Bhu Guarantee," which he described as the sixth guarantee aimed at securing the rights of property owners. Shivakumar noted that buying a home is a major achievement for most families and that the government recognises the challenges citizens face at various stages, including registration, documentation, and post-possession issues.
"People work hard throughout their lives to build a home. It is not an easy task. Our intention is to help them enjoy the benefits of the property they have earned," he said. Highlighting the government's efforts in digitising land and property records, the Chief Minister said Karnataka has witnessed an "e-Khata revolution."
"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. Shivakumar said the government has introduced reforms to address civic issues in apartment complexes, including sewage treatment plants (STPs) and drinking water supply.
He added that measures such as groundwater recharge initiatives and the Cauvery Phase V project are being implemented to improve water availability. He acknowledged that some developers have created complications in transferring property documents and said the government would engage with them to ensure a smoother transfer process.
The Chief Minister also reiterated the government's commitment to decentralisation, stating that five city corporations have been proposed to improve ease of doing business and governance 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.
Shivakumar said the government is making concerted efforts to address Bengaluru's longstanding infrastructure challenges. "There are 1.35 crore vehicles in Bengaluru. The government has spent Rs 4,000 crore exclusively on filling potholes and improving road infrastructure," he said.
He also said the government is focusing on redevelopment projects and providing assistance to economically weaker sections to build homes. The Chief Minister emphasised the need for high-rise developments in the city and highlighted major infrastructure projects, including the 132-km Peripheral Ring Road, also known as the Bengaluru Business Corridor.
"Compared to other states, Karnataka provides one of the highest compensation packages to farmers for land acquisition," he said. Stressing Bengaluru's growing global appeal, Shivakumar said international investors continue to view the city as an attractive destination.
"Global leaders are looking at Bengaluru. Property prices here remain more affordable compared to cities like Mumbai, which is why investors are drawn to the city. During my visit to Davos, several investors expressed interest in investing in Bengaluru," he said.
He added that the proposed second airport for Bengaluru would further strengthen the city's position as an investment hub. Responding to a query from apartment owners, Shivakumar said the government is actively considering making rainwater harvesting mandatory in apartment complexes across the state.
Ministers Krishna Byre Gowda, Byrathi Suresh and K.J. George, BDA Chairman N.A. Harris, and Apartment Association President Rajeev Gowda were present at the event.