The Indian Express             02.12.2013

Beware of tax agents in MC offices

Self-styled agents of the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation are charging hefty amounts for paying property tax through the MC website.

While the MC has enabled multiple options for paying property tax, these agents take advantage of illiterate and unaware people by demanding anywhere betwen Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,500 for getting instant receipt of property tax.

When Newsline team visited Zone C MC office, people standing in queue were seen making deals with these agents. The agents were surrounded with tensed tax payers as November 30 was the last date for availing a 10 per cent rebate. However, after few hours, the date was extended to December 10.

Anil Sood, a resident said, "An agent came up to me and asked if I want quick service. I enquired about the system and he said he knows all MC officials sitting inside and the work will be done in few minutes if I pay him Rs 1,000. Later, when I said I had to pay Rs 4,000 as tax, his demand increased to Rs 2,500." Sood who later paid tax through MC website said he was not aware of the online system earlier.

Another resident said, "An agent asked for Rs 1,500 for paying Rs 3,000 tax and said he will get the receipt in a few minutes but he did not return after taking money."

Meanwhile, Ludhiana property tax collection crossed Rs 24 crore, the highest in Punjab so far.

Official speak

Isha Kalia, additional commissioner said, "People should not fell prey to such agents. We have created multiple options for paying tax so that people don't have to stand in a queue. Our zonal and sub zonal offices are open even on weekends for people's convenience." Kalia added that apart from MC website (www.mcludhiana.gov.in), one can pay tax at all four zonal offices, 16 sub zonal offices, four HDFC branches (Kitchlu Nagar, Rishi nagar, Miller ganj, Mall road), Suvidha centres and camps setup in all the areas. Also MC van is a phone call away.