CURE Act Introduces Unified Property ID And Single Civic Bill

The state government has introduced a series of changes in urban administration with the Core Urban Region (Integrated Governance) Act, 2026, becoming operational on October 2, including a unified property identification system, consolidated municipal billing and automatic property mutation.

Under the new system, every property will be assigned an 'Integrated Property Identity Code' (IPIC), to which all municipal details relating to the property will be linked.

According to CMO officials, property tax, water bills, sewage charges and sanitation dues will be consolidated into a single bill called 'CURE-1'. Municipal services, permits and licences will also be accessible through a single portal.

The new law seeks to do away with multiple office visits for property mutation after the purchase of a house. The mutation process will take place automatically immediately after the property registration.

Property tax will be calculated on the 'guideline value' determined by the registration department instead of the 'annual rental value'. A nominal tax of `101 will continue to apply to properties measuring up to 375 square feet.

For other residential properties, the respective corporations will fix rates ranging from 0.10 per cent to 0.50 per cent of the guideline value. Rates for non-residential properties will range between 0.20 per cent and 2 per cent.

Until the new rates are finalised, residential properties will be taxed at 0.15 per cent and non-residential properties at 0.75 per cent. The annual increase in property tax under the new system will be capped at 10 per cent over the previous year's tax. A property owner currently paying `10,000, for instance, will pay a maximum of `11,000 in the first year.

The building permit process will be conducted entirely online. If officials fail to decide on an application within the stipulated time, it will be escalated to a higher authority. The law also provides for 'deemed approval' where no decision is taken.

The licensing process has also been simplified. The government is set to announce 'Night Economy Zones', where businesses will be allowed to operate for extended hours into the night.

The existing practice of filing criminal cases for minor violations will also change, with most such violations attracting civil penalties instead. A show-cause notice will first be issued and a decision on the fine will be taken thereafter.

A 'Utility Coordination Committee' will coordinate road excavation by various departments to prevent roads laid by one department from being dug up soon afterwards by another.

A 'Traffic Management and Road Safety Authority' will oversee traffic management, with emphasis on footpaths, pedestrian crossings, kerb ramps, streetlights and traffic signals. The legislation also provides for establishing 'Safe School Zones' near schools.

HYDRAA will receive statutory backing to act against encroachments and waste dumping in lakes, drains, parks and public spaces. Unauthorised dumping of construction debris will attract a heavy fine, while dumping waste into drains, ponds or on footpaths will attract a doubled fine.

Rainwater conservation measures will be mandatory for buildings exceeding the specified built-up area. Properties adopting eco-friendly measures may also be eligible for additional property tax concessions.

A unified disaster management plan will cover the entire Core Urban Region. The Disaster Management Authority will coordinate disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, while HYDRAA will function as the disaster response agency.

Fire audit certificates are likely to be made mandatory for designated buildings, including high-rises. Inspections will be based on the level of risk, and buildings posing an immediate threat to life may be sealed until deficiencies are rectified.