The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has passed an amendment bill aimed at regulating outdoor advertisements and enabling local bodies to collect fees on hoardings and billboards across the state.
The new law empowers city corporations and municipal councils to levy advertising fees on individuals and businesses placing advertisements on land, buildings, walls and other structures within city limits.
Local bodies to fix ad fees
Under the amendment, local authorities will be allowed to determine the fee structure for outdoor advertisements, within limits prescribed by the state government.
Officials said the move is expected to streamline outdoor advertising practices while also creating a steady revenue source for urban local bodies.
The regulation is likely to apply to a wide range of advertisements, including commercial hoardings, billboards and promotional displays placed in public and private spaces.
Focus on regulation and revenue
The amendment is aimed at bringing better oversight to the outdoor advertising sector, which has often faced issues related to unregulated hoardings and unauthorised displays in urban areas.
By formalising the system, the government intends to improve urban aesthetics, ensure compliance and generate additional funds that can be used for civic infrastructure and development.
Impact on advertisers and cities
Industry observers note that the move could lead to more structured advertising practices, though it may also increase compliance costs for advertisers.
At the same time, city authorities are expected to benefit from a new revenue stream that can support local development projects.
Further details, including fee limits and implementation guidelines, are expected to be notified by the state government in the coming months.