Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Nov 27: "There is no issue in paying property tax or voting. But do not ask 'A Khata' and basic infrastructure for the property." This is the plight of residents who own flats and houses in the border areas of 110 villages that come under BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike). Both the panchayat and BBMP are not
ready to accept them as their residents.

People who have paid lacs of rupees for the flat or property in these areas are running from pillar to post in order to get the 'A Khata' and PID (property identification number). One of the reasons for this impasse is the cheating that is done by both the builders and the officials of the concerned department.

Bengaluru City Corporation was upgraded as BBMP in 2007. City and town municipalities and 110 villages were added to the area controlled by BBMP. However, till date 2,27,813 properties have not got PID and 2,13,434 property owners have not got the 'A Khata', though they are paying tax.

There is no clarity among the officials of BBMP as to whether the area from Kanakapur main road to Nice Road officially belongs to BBMP or not. However, the department has not stopped collecting taxes from the residents of this area.

Vani Kishore, a resident of 'Sobha Suncrest', says, "I have been living in this apartment building for 9 years. It has been years since I have applied for 'A Khata'. Concerned officials are asking me to make rounds of various offices. I have still not got the documents for my property."

It is not clear whether the plight of the residents of the border areas of BBMP is the result of a trick played by the builders or the greediness of corrupt officials.