Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the imposition of a 1% Fire Cess on all high-rise buildings across the state under the provisions of the Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964. The cess will apply to commercial complexes, hospitals, educational institutions, industrial units, and residential apartments, Law Minister HK Patil announced during a media briefing after Thursday’s cabinet meeting.
Patil explained that the cess, calculated at 1% of the property tax amount, will be collected to strengthen fire safety infrastructure and preparedness in urban areas. “All institutions and structures to which the Fire Act is applicable will now be liable to pay this cess,” he said.
He clarified that the cess will be mandatory for all qualifying properties, and the responsibility of remittance lies with the builders or property owners. However, the government has not yet provided an estimate of the total revenue expected from this move.
“The cess will help the Fire and Emergency Services Department enhance safety mechanisms in densely populated high-rises,” Patil added.
