The Government of Karnataka (GoK), on January 09, 2026 issued a draft notification proposing the Karnataka Land Reforms (Amendment) Rules, 2025. This notification, published in the Official Gazette on January 12, 2026, exercise powers under the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, to streamline the process of land exemptions. The government has provided a 15-day window for the public to submit objections or suggestions to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department before the rules are finalized.
The primary update involves Rule 38-D, which redefines the approval authority for land applications submitted in Forms 15A and 15B. Under the new draft, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) is empowered to approve or reject applications for lands measuring up to four hectares. However, all applications from Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural districts, as well as any proposals from other districts exceeding four hectares, must be forwarded to the State Government for review by a newly defined High Power Committee.
The amendment formally establishes this High Power Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka. The committee will include Additional Chief Secretaries or Principal Secretaries from the Revenue, Commerce and Industries, Education, Horticulture, and Urban Development departments. Additionally, the notification introduces a substituted Form 15-C, which is the standardized application format to be filled by the Deputy Commissioner when claiming or granting exemptions under Section 109 of the Act.
[Notification No. RD 85 LRA 2025 (E-1749636)]
