What is DC Conversion?

What is Land Use Conversion?

In general, the government of Karnataka considers all land in the state as fit to be used only for agricultural purposes. If any piece of land is to be used for a non-agricultural purpose – for example, for Residential, Commercial, Industrial purpose etc, then that land has to be “converted” for non-agricultural use. The process of converting an agricultural land for non-agricultural use is called Land Use Conversion.

What is DC Conversion?

Land Use Conversion is commonly referred to as DC Conversion. “DC” stands for Deputy Commissioner since the authorization to use land for non-agricultural purposes is issued by the Deputy Commissioner. However, in some cases the conversion can also be done by a Tashildar.

The State Town Planning Authority is responsible for developing the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), often referred to as the Master Plan. This plan covers wide geographic areas and is responsible for indicating which specific areas in Karnataka are meant for conversion from agricultural to residential or commercial uses over the long-term. Before allowing the Conversion to happen, the Deputy Commissioner verifies that the land is scheduled for non-agricultural use as per the CDP and only if that is the case, he/she proceeds with the conversion.

What happens if I construct a house or other structure on land which has not been authorized for DC Conversion?

Non Agricultural use of land that has not gone through DC Conversion is not a good idea. This is because such properties will not be able to obtain an “A Khata Certificate” from the Bangalore Bruhat Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Such properties can only be registered under the B Khata Register which is commonly also referred to as a “B Khata Certificate”.