Government frames rules for allotting sites to land losers

To begin with, no corner sites will be allotted to those who part with their land for development purposes. The rules also put a cap on the dimension of sites that will be allotted - No allottee will be given a site measuring more than 15x24 m (50x80 ft).  
Besides, the Karnataka Urban Development Authorities (Allotment of sites in lieu of compensation for the land acquired) Rules, 2009 dated July 30, gazetted on August 6, state that the allottee can use the site only for residential purpose.

The Government, last year, had announced a scheme wherein all urban development authorities will have to provide the option of allotting 40 per cent of developed land as part of the compensation to those whose land is acquired. In other words, 9,600 sq ft of developed land (or four 40x60 ft sites) will be allotted to the land-losers in form of sites for every acquired acre.

According to sources in the Urban Development department, the Bangalore Development Authority has already implemented the scheme while acquiring land for the formation of Kempegowda Layout. However, no rules had been framed.

The scheme was implemented based on a Government Order. The new rules are now applicable to Urban Development authorities in the State.

In the form of cash
According to the rules, no corner or commercial site will be allotted to the owner in lieu of compensation. If compensation is more than the value of the site allotted, then excess amount payable, will be in the form of cash. The allotment of sites will be made through lottery in the same layout where the land is acquired.

For any change in the land use, other than for residential purpose, the allottee will have to seek the permission of the authority in advance, as specified under the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act, 1961.

The allotment of share will start from the biggest site (15x24 m) and go down to 9x12 m (30x40 ft). The allottees can sell their sites without the permission of the authority concerned.

The allottee can even request the authority to sell the sites allotted on behalf of him through public auction. However, realisation charges of 2 per cent of the value of site will have to be paid to the authority.

The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has also implemented a similar scheme while acquiring agricultural land from farmers for industrial purposes.