BBMP's betterment levy gets 'new life'

BBMP's betterment levy gets 'new life'
Bangalore, DHNS:

The BBMP has decided to collect betterment charges for properties under the Palike limits. The Palike issued an order on November 7 directing the officers to collect charges.

Collection of these charges was cancelled after Lokayukta unearthed large -scale corruption in connection with betterment charges in seven CMCs and one TMC on the outskirts of Bangalore in 2002. However, the collection was on in the old BMP area till December 11, 2006, when the government issued an ordinance asking Palike to stop collecting betterment charges.

The government reviewed its decision and directed the Palike to collect charges in January 16 this year. Paying betterment charges is a must to obtain khata of any property.

BBMP Commissioner Subramanya said the amount collected will help in providing basic amenities in new areas.
The betterment charges apply to sites in converted but undivided land, land granted by the state government for non-agriculture purpose, industrial area allotted by KIADB and those sites which are located in gram thana.
However, charges do not apply for properties located in BDA developed layouts, properties in layouts formed with BDA approval and properties allotted under various benefit programmes.