We will attempt to include the most common questions people have in mind in our FAQ. Please note it is very tough to get answers from the government, but we will keep trying. Infact, we will go ahead and add questions for which we don't have answers, may be you can help us out! We would like to have answers for every city in Karnataka.

1. We need rain grievances helpline numbers
    
   • DC's Office: 2221 1106, 94480 40700, 93428 15124
   • Bangalore North: 2286 9011
   • Bangalore Zilla Panchayat: 2221 1107, 94484 89283
      
2. I am confused about SAS[Self-Assessment Scheme] to pay my property tax. Help!

   Read all about SAS and the FAQ. Govt clarifies that old rates will stay for 3 years.

3. Are there any telephone directory enquiry sites on the net?
   
   
   • Karnataka Telecom
   • Bangalore Telecom
   • Just Dial - for business numbers only
   • GetIT Yellow Pages - for business numbers only
   • Mysore
   • Dakshina Kannada Telecom is selling their telephone directory on a CDROM for Rs 60 as of August 9, 2001
      
4. I am having problem with my telephone. Whom do I call?

   Call the toll-free helpline 1959 [for DoT users in Karnataka only] between 10 AM and 6 PM.

5. How do I check my phone's meter reading?

   Call the non-toll free number 1679 [for DoT only]

6. Where can I get STD/long distance codes in Karnataka?

   See STD page. We have included the intra state codes as calls within 200 kms in the state are treated as local calls.

7. Are there any private telephone operators in Karnataka today?

   Bharti's Touchtel, Reliance and Tata Teleservices have started their operations in Karnataka.

8. Can I contact the police on the web?

   See Karnataka State Police site. Also try Bangalore City Police

9. What is 'hotline police alert system' in Bangalore ?

   You can get connected to the police control room instantly and alert them of any theft or emergency.Those interested must register by submitting a BSNL non-dedicated hotline facility application (available at BSNL customer care centres or offices of BSNL divisional engineers) to the deputy commissioner of police (crime), police commissioner's office, # 1, Infantry Road, Bangalore-1 (Ph: 2220 0912). The application, if approved, will be forwarded to BSNL, which will provide the facility free of cost.

   Those eligible include banks, ATMs, petrol pumps, jewellers and other business establishments with heavy turnover, senior citizens, people staying in isolated areas or any other special group. To avail the facility, they should have a BSNL landline at home. How to operate: When a robber attacks, the subscriber has to take the phone receiver off the hook for a minimum of 20 seconds. The police control room will access the call through the caller identity and subscriber database and will send patrolling vehicles to the subscriber's place.

10. How do I complain to the police chief [Bangalore City Police Commissioner] directly?

    If you want to pass on some information about a crime or lodge a complaint against any high-handed police officer, call +91-80-22943400 or +91-80-22943399. Whatever you say will be heard by the City Police Commissioner himself and your identity will be kept a secret. These two dedicated telephone lines have been set up with a view to promoting 'complaint culture' among Bangaloreans.

11. When should an out of state vehicle register with RTO in Karnataka?

    A Vehicle is not permitted to ply with other state registration mark beyond 11 months from the date of migration . So you should apply and obtain the Karnataka Registration mark before that period.

    Things to do to re-register an out of Karnataka state vehicle:

    • Intimate the nearest RTO within 30 days.
    • Pay the required tax.
    • Re-register the vehicle within one year after coming to Bangalore.

    Documents required:

    • NOC from registration authority of the state where vehicle was registered.
    • Registration certificate.
    • Proof of address [Bangalore].
    • Insurance.

    There are few exemptions to Central Government employees and defence personnel.

    • Life-time tax will continue, if paid in other state.
    • If yearly tax is paid, they continue to pay yearly tax here in Karnataka.

    You can call the RTO helpline in Bangalore: +91-80-2235 3434

12. I want to buy a used vehicle in Karnataka. Is there anyway to get a police verification of this vehicle?

    The Bangalore City Crime Records Bureau in co-ordination with the State Crime Record Bureau wil be opening a window counter at the police commissioner's office in Bangalore. People can avail the following services, on payment of nominal fee of Rs 20:

    • Information to potential buyers of a second hand vehicle. One can find out whether it is stolen one or has been used by any criminal for committing crime.
    • Information whether a stolen vehicle has been recovered in any part of the country
      
      
    Call +91-80-2294-3165 for further details.
    
    
13. I have a complaint about BMTC [bus], where do I write to?

    See BMTC site. 

14. How do I find the status of my passport application?

    See passport office website. You can get and submit passport applications in post offices. Post offices charge Rs 100 to help you to fill the form.

    As of June 2006 Bangalore One accepts applications for new passports. As of July 2006 Bangaloreans need to apply for a new passort at BangaloreOne offices ONLY.

    Also a separate branch of the passport office has been opened on his office premises in Chitradurga [Dec 2004].

15. Are there any LMG emergency service centers?

    In Bangalore call,

    • North Zone: 2356 3805
    • South Zone: 2659 5138 / 2658 9977
    • East Zone: 2526 6888
    • West Zone: 2350 3030
      
      
16. Where can I access the state budget?

    See state budget site.

17. Where do I report water supply problems?

    Bangalore: See BWSSB site or call 155313.

18. How do I get a new water connection for my house?

    See this document

19. How do I get a new power connection for my house?

    Power connection application form requires

    • Application on Form A
    • Number of lighting and heating points
    • Number of KW of extra load required
    It is better to use a electrical contractor to do the running around to get the sanction.
     
20. I see a house/shop that has extended the building to the footpath. Where do I send my complaint?

    Bangalore: Call BCC at 080-22221188

21. Are there any 24-hour helpines?

    In Bangalore you have Prahari, a helpline to attend and tackle emergencies through patrol vehicles. The squad will also deal with the health problems - prevention of garbage dumping into drains and open places, meat and chicken wastes, organic and inorganic wastes in parks and public places and also co-ordinate with the Pollution Control Board in reducing pollution levels due to operation of public address system.

    • Control Room: 2222 1188, 2229 7595, 2210 0031/32/33/34/35.
    • East zone: 2297 5803
    • West zone: 2334 1692
    • South zone: 2656 6362
      
      
22. Where do I report electricity/power problems?

    Bangalore:
    24 Hour: 080-22370711/22/33/44
    Centralized Complaints 1917 (6 lines) / 12660 / 1-600-338-017
    Other numbers: 2228 7118 / 2228 119 / 2235 5180 / 98442 44639 (Executive Engineer)
    Send SMS to 9848 237266 with the keyword HELP for further details.

    Complaints received here are provided with docket numbers. While lodging complaint the name, address, telephones number and nearby landmark with nature of complaints should be given. In case complaint not attended within two hours contact 22252035.

    Also you could contact,
    Managing Director,
    Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM)
    14/3, CFC Building, IV Floor
    Nrupathunga Road
    Bangalore - 560001
    Phone: 080-2227 6366
    Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

23. There are many cows/dogs on the road. Where do I sent my complaint?

    Bangalore:
    Holy cow! For a change a government office in Karnataka gave us a pleasant shock. We were checking with them for information about how to avoid street cows and stray dog menace.

    They were kind enough to inform that Bangalore is forefront in addressing this issue by adopting WHO recommended Animal Birth Control/Anti Rabies Vaccination (ABC/ARV) programme to rapidly reduce street dog population, reduce dog bite and prevent spread of rabies. They also provided these telephone numbers for you to register complaints. Now citizens, sorry neitzens can start cracking. Try it and let us know if it worked for you.

    For street cow menace: 2227 7789
    For stray dogs menace:

    • 2571-1036 (East Zone) - CUPA
    • 2672-4036 (South Zone) - ARF
    • 2341-1181 (West Zone) - SPCA
      
      
    Any other complaints to BCC: 2222-7822
    For general queries: 2222-1188
    
    
24. Are there any dog bite treatment centres?

    The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike has set up 24-hour dog bite treatment centres at BMP Referral Hospital on H Siddaiah Road and at the Ulsoor BMP Referral Hospital (only in Bangalore). Dr Susheela Shekar has been appointed the nodal officer and can be contacted on phone 22291966 (office); 25280195 (residence) and 98440-98127 

25. How to get a dog licence?
    
    
    • Get the form from BCC [Rs 10]
    • Register your pet for Rs 50.
    • Vaccinate your pet for Rs 50

    Please help the government by registering your pet.

26. Where do I find info about registering my property [site/apartment etc.]?

    See Inspector General of Registration & Commissioner of Stamps site.

    For the sale of houses, plots

    • Stamp Duty: 8% of market value of property - 8%
    • Additional Stamp Duty Under 3B of the Stamp Act: 5% of stamp duty - 0.4%
    • Additional Stamp Duty: 2% of market value of property (Payable to City Corporation. 3% if locatated within Taluk Panchayat) - 0.16%
    • Registration Fee: 1% of market value of property - 1%
    • Grand Total Stamp Duty Payable: 9.56%

    For the sale of flats/apartments the stamp duty is based on the value of the property.

    • Upto Rs 300,000: 2%
    • Rs 300,000 - Rs 500,000: Rs 6,000 + 3% on amount over Rs 300,000
    • Rs 500,000 - Rs 1,000,000 and above: Rs 12,000 + 6% on amount over Rs 500,000
    • Rs 1,000,000 and above: Rs 42,000 + 8% on amount over Rs 1,000,000
    • Additional Stamp Duty: 5% of stamp duty, 2% to city corporation, 2% registration fee
      
      
27. I want to register my site/house/apartment. The sub-registrar wants me to bribe him. What do I do?

    Welcome to Karnataka. See our bribe rate card

28. How do I protect myself from fake stamp paper?

    The government will introduce e-stamping in March 2008. The ministry of finance and the department of economic affairs have appointed the Stock Holiding Corporation of India [SHCI ] as the central record keeping agency for e-stamping. The facility will be available at Jayanagar, Shivajinagar and Gandhinagar sub-registrar offices, the Lawyer's Assocation office and at four SHCI branches.
    
    After submitting the application form, the client's details will be entered into the system and a stamp certificate woudl be generated immediately in case of cash payment. In cae of cheque/demand draft/pay order, the certificate woud be generated only after the realisation of funds.
    
    e-stamp papers are tamper proof as each certificate will have a Unique Identification Number [UIN]. Every stamp generated through the web application would be provided with a 20-digit alha-numerice UIN. Anybody with the UIN can check the certificiate's authenticity at www.shcilestamp.com .

29. We don't have garbage collection service in our locality. How do I get the government to start one in my area?

    The govt has taken active steps in Bangalore to clean up the mess. However, we strongly feel the citizens need to take more interest instead of blaming the govt for everything. See Swachha Bangalore. Their helpline number is 98450-24365 (the number translates to 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)

30. What is Shuchi Mitra? How can I help their cause?

    Shuchi Mitra - a civic minded citizen, who volunteers to devote time to take on the responsibility of partnering with the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike [BMP] to ensure cleanliness of his / her locality and monitor local conditions. The BMP requires Shuchi Mitras in many areas. Please call 22122608 / 22122609/ 22122610. Commendable effort, we hope citizens will support this group.

31. How do I contact any of the BMP service centres? And what are the prescribed fees for their services?

    The Centres are available at:

    1. Head office: 2297 5500, 2297 5583
    2. Jayanagar: 2297 5700
    3. Public Utility Building: 2297 5800
    4. Malleswaram: 2297 5600
       
       
32. Are there any consumer forums? Can I write to the media about the complaints I have?

    Please see the list of resident welfare associations in Bangalore.

    • Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Cavery Bhavan, K.G. Road Bangalore - 560001 (Phone: 91-80-22211137)
    • Civic Watch, C/O Deccan Herald, No 75, M G Road, Bangalore - 560001
    • Janaagraha, 198 Nandidurga Road, Bangalore 560046. Phone: 2237 0092,4127 7102/3, Fax: 2237 0093 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it (civic amenities movement). Also see Yahoo Groups
      
      
33. Is smoking banned in public places in Karnataka

    On August 3, 2001 "The Karnataka Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Health of Non-Smokers Bill, 2001" was passed in the Legislative Council. The bill is aimed at protecting the non-smoking public from the hazards of passive smoking, and prohibiting smoking in a few selected places like public spaces, auditorium, hospitals, health institutions, amusement centres, restaurants, court buildings, educational institutions, libraries and places of worship. It also discourages promotion of smoking through advertisements.

34. Can I book railway tickets on the internet?

    See the railway ecom site.

35. Is there a railway enquiry call centre in Karnataka?

    Call 139 from anywhere in Karnataka for train related queries.

    By dialling 139 and PNR number without a break, a caller can obtain PNR status directly without going through various prompts. Similarly, for berth availability in a train, one can dial 139, train number, date and month of journey. For example, by dialling 13926272811, they can get the berth availability on Karnataka Express (train no 2627), on Nov 28.

36. Where can I get the maps of Karnataka on the internet?

    See Maps Of India. Also see Bangalore Transport Information System (BTIS) for driving directions in Bangalore.

37. Is there an official flag for Karnataka State?

    Click here to see the flag. According to the Department of Kannada and Culture the "red and yellow" colors in the flag have no legal status. In 1965, Ma Ramamurthy launched a political party called Kannada Paksha. The red-and-yellow flag was teh flag of the party and he called it as Kannada flag. The party never took off but the flag continued to fly high.
    
    Kannada organizations have started using the flag. Yellow stands for good things and red signifieds revolution. Few say red-and-yellow stands for Arishina (turmeric) and Kumkum. These two objects are traditionally considered as asupicious in most Southern states of India.

38. I am a foreigner visiting Karnataka, where can I get info about immigration?

    See Bangalore City Police site.

39. Can I apply for visa for any of the foreign countries in Bangalore?

    You can apply for a UK visa at: 304, Prestige Centre Point, 7 Edward Road (Cunningham Road), Bangalore - 560052. Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

40. We have heard of some driving manual written by an NRI. Where can I get a copy of it?

    You must be talking about the one written by Rajeev Nanda. It is an excellent contribution to the society. Click here to read the entire document.

41. Where can I apply for birth/marriage/death certificate?

    Chief registrar of births, deaths and marriages, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, M.S. Buildings, B.R. Ambedkar Road, Bangalore-560001. Call +91-80-22253758 / 22863025. Also see other offices in Karnataka.

42. Where can I complain about illegal felling oftrees?

    A telephone helpline to report illegal tree felling and vandalism has been set up by the Environment Support Group in Bangalore. Call 2653-4364.

43. Where can I apply for the new PAN card?

    Personal Account Number (PAN) is issued by the friendly Income Tax Department. It includes the addresses of the offices in Karnataka from which you can get the new PAN card. 

44. How do I contact the BDA engineers in Bangalore?
    
    
    • Airport Road Flyover: Ramaswamy, 98456-30117
    • Jayadeva-Dairy Circle Flyover: Guruprasad, 98456-30115
    • HSR Complex: Lakshmipathy, 98456-30116
    • Bangalore East: Shashidhar, 98456-30157
    • Bangalore North: Ravindra Reddy, 98456-30111
    • Bangalore South: Shiva Murthy, 98456-30112
      
      
45. How do I get real time traffic updates in Bangalore?

    Bangalore Transport Information System (BTIS) and Airtel have partnered in providing real time traffic updates. Information Needed

    • To get area/junction codes
    • To know the route from area 1 to area 2
    • To know traffic condition and route from area 1 to area 2
    • To know traffic at a particular junction
      
      
    SMS Procedure Send SMS to 54321 (Airtel Customers) or 98450 27222
    • BTIS CODE followed by name of area/junction
    • BTIS followed by area-code1 area-code2
    • BTIS followed by area1 area2
    • BTIS POINT followed by junction code
       
46. How to book an autorickshaw by SMS/online?

    Most of us are tired of being refused service by Autos. As of May 2007 we have a new solution - Call or SMS 98441-12233 or visit EasyAuto to book an auto.