The Hindu        06.11.2014

GHMC to waive property tax up to Rs. 4,000

In a major decision that could offer relief to more than 10 lakh owners of residential premises in the city, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Standing Committee has decided to waive property tax up to Rs.4,000.

The Mayor, Mohammed Majid Hussain, who chaired the committee meeting on Thursday, later told presspersons that a unanimous resolution was passed to do away with property tax for those paying the tax in the bracket of Re.1 to Rs.4,000.

“It is for residential premises only and perhaps for the first time contemplated by any civic body in the country,” he said.

Government approval

After the general body endorses the resolution, it would be forwarded to the government for approval. “The government has to make certain amendments for which we will personally meet Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and pursue the matter,” he said.

GHMC has around 13.20 lakh assessed properties and this resolution would benefit more than 10 lakh premises.

Huge relief

“The revenue loss would be between Rs.100 crore and Rs.120 crore but it will provide a huge relief to families from below poverty, lower and middle class sections,” said Mr. Hussain flanked by Deputy Mayor G.Raj Kumar.

From Rs.300 crore three years ago, the civic body revenue collection grew to the present Rs.1,000 crore.

High revenues

“We have high revenues and we need to provide the best for our citizens and Rs.100 crore or so is not a big issue for GHMC,” the Mayor said. The committee, however, did not approve and returned a proposal to replace existing street lighting with LEDs to improve illumination levels on roads.

Approval was, however, accorded to construct road/ramp to mid-landing of steps at the Moula Ali dargah for a revised estimate of Rs.220 lakh.