Background:
The Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Act, 2025 has been enacted to further amend the Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964. The amendment aims to strengthen fire safety measures and ensure adequate funding for the fire force’s operational requirements.

The amendment introduces new provisos to Section 15 of the Karnataka Fire Force Act, 1964. The changes are as follows, without any alteration:

• First Proviso: “Provided that, the fire cess shall be levied in the form of a surcharge at the rate of one percent on the property tax of newly constructed multi-storied buildings (high rise building) as defined in section 13 of the Act, with effect from the date of commencement of the Karnataka Fire Force (Amendment) Act, 2025.”
• Second Proviso: “Provided further that, no fire cess shall be levied on any building vested in or under the control or possession of the State Government or the Central Government or any public authority owned by the State Government or the Central Government.”

These provisos will apply to newly constructed high-rise buildings to ensure adequate funding for fire safety without imposing additional burdens on government properties.