The Hindu 06.11.2014
GHMC to waive property tax up to Rs. 4,000
Move could offer relief to over 10 lakh house owners
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.
