The Indian Express 02.04.2013
BMC gears up for octroi naka bandi
After spending over Rs 34 crore on modernisation of the five octroi
nakas in the city, BMC has not only had to halt the project halfway but
also start phasing out the check posts to make way for a local body tax
(LBT) system.
More than 10,000 vehicles carrying goods enter the city through
these points at Dahisar, LBS Marg, Eastern Express Highway,
Mulund-Airoli and Vashi every day, generating an average revenue of Rs 2
crore in the form of octroi.
Vigilance squads keep a strict eye on incoming trucks that have
to go through a series of checks and scans after which goods are weighed
on an automatic weigh-bridge.
“Details of every incoming and outgoing vehicle are stored in our
software and CCTV cameras ensure octroi is not evaded. The cameras are
linked to a main server and one can check proceedings at octroi nakas
sitting in an office,” explained an official.
While octroi has been the biggest money spinner for the
cash-starved BMC, officials claim LBT, which comes into force in
October, will also ensure good income.
They, however, fear security at these major entry and exit points
of the city could be a concern after octroi nakas are phased out.
Octroi is a tax levied on goods at the time of entry in a city.
It is collected in cash on daily basis. LBT, on the other hand, is a lumpsum charged on the value of goods.
