Times of India 21.07.2009
Panchkula MC to propose house tax abolition
PANCHKULA: Panchkula municipal council is to send a proposal for abolition of house tax in the town to the state government. A resolution in this regard was passed by the house in its meeting held here on Monday. The meeting was presided over by acting president BB Singhal.
In its first meeting attended by 31 councillors following president Ravinder Rawal’s removed by MC tribunal, the house also passed the resolution for substantial increase in honorarium of the councillor.
While house tax on self-occupied properties was abolished by the state last year, MC wanted to abolish it completely in the town on the lines of the adjoining city of Chandigarh.
Singhal said the resolution introduced by BJP councillors was passed and it is now at the state’s discretion to approve it. It would, however, not be an easy task for state government, as it would need an amendment in the MC Act. Alternative sources of income would be an issue.
Increase in the financial powers of the council has also to be sought, Singhal said. The municipal councils were empowered to spend Rs 3 lakh 20 years ago. Now, with the passage of time, requirements have increased manifold, hence the limit needs to be increased, Singhal said while introducing the agenda.
In its first meeting attended by 31 councillors following president Ravinder Rawal’s removed by MC tribunal, the house also passed the resolution for substantial increase in honorarium of the councillor.
While house tax on self-occupied properties was abolished by the state last year, MC wanted to abolish it completely in the town on the lines of the adjoining city of Chandigarh.
Singhal said the resolution introduced by BJP councillors was passed and it is now at the state’s discretion to approve it. It would, however, not be an easy task for state government, as it would need an amendment in the MC Act. Alternative sources of income would be an issue.
Increase in the financial powers of the council has also to be sought, Singhal said. The municipal councils were empowered to spend Rs 3 lakh 20 years ago. Now, with the passage of time, requirements have increased manifold, hence the limit needs to be increased, Singhal said while introducing the agenda.
