The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday cleared several significant bills, including the imposition of a 1% fire cess on newly constructed high-rise buildings. As per the Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Bill, 2025, structures above 21 metres in height, including hospitals and industrial units, must now pay this additional charge on their property tax. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil explained that this move aims to enhance the efficiency of the Fire and Emergency Department. However, government-owned buildings will be exempt from the cess.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also approved the Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which modifies buffer zones around lakes. The buffer area will now vary based on lake size — from 3 metres for lakes up to 1 acre to 30 metres for lakes over 100 acres. This change allows for construction and commercial use within these revised zones.
Among other decisions, the Cabinet passed amendments to regulate private healthcare services. The Karnataka State Private Medical Institutions (Amendment) Bill, 2025 mandates ambulance operators and mobile medical units to register as private medical entities.
A lease relaxation was also granted to the Ranga Shankara trust, requiring it to pay only 25% of the lease amount fixed by the Bengaluru Development Authority.
Additionally, the state will table two crucial welfare bills in the upcoming Monsoon Session:
- Gig Workers’ Social Security Bill, 2025
- Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill, 2025, which also seeks to criminalize child engagements.