# GBA slammed for adding Rs 200 software charge to property tax bills

2026-09-20T09:32:10+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has sparked a controversy by adding a new 'Software Charges' line item to property tax bills midway through the financial year. The charge is Rs 200 annually for residential properties and Rs 1,000 for commercial properties. State BJP president BY Vijayendra called it 'looting in broad daylight' and questioned the legal basis, asking why citizens should separately fund government software. Several residents on social media criticised the move, with some calling it 'extortion' and asking whether there was any public consultation.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

Times of India frames the charge as a political row, foregrounding BJP and citizen fury, while Livemint presents it as a straight factual explainer with GBA's defence. The critical framing omits that Rs 200 is less than one percent of typical annual property tax, and the neutral framing underplays that no public consultation or legislative approval preceded the levy. The e-Khata output statistics GBA cites do not address the core objection: whether an existing administrative body can add a new fee without fresh legal authorisation. The coming state legislative session may clarify that question.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (government critical) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/software-charge-row-greater-bengaluru-authority-slammed-for-adding-it-fee-to-property-tax-bills/articleshow/134355825.cms>
  Leads with opposition criticism and citizen outrage, frames charge as a 'row' and 'controversy'
- livemint.com (neutral report) <https://www.livemint.com/news/bengaluru-software-charge-property-owners-to-pay-additional-fee-with-tax-heres-what-it-is-and-how-much-it-can-cost-11789921734374.html>
  Primarily reports facts and GBA's defence without leading with opposition or outrage

Tags: Bengaluru, BY Vijayendra, Greater Bengaluru Authority, Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, property tax
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