The Indian Express             24.09.2013

Councillors reject proposal to impose property tax on 5 villages

The General House of the Municipal Corporation rejected a proposal to impose property tax on five villages that were transferred to the civic body in 2006. The five villages that were transferred were already under the ambit of taxation. Councillors rejected the proposal on Monday stating that since facilities provided to these villages were not adequate, tax should not be imposed.

Villages where tax was to be imposed included Hallomajra, Kajheri, Palsora, Maloya and Dadumajra. The proposal entailed inclusion of these villages in Zone C with effect from September 19, 2006 i.e from the date of notification vide which the villages were transferred to the MC. A total of 2,862 units were to be covered. The tax imposition was approved by the House Tax committee.

Councillor Darshan Garg who is a member of the House Tax committee on Monday said the villages be given permission for holding commercial activities. He added that the villagers who were pursuing commercial activities on the ground floor and had residences above were being charged commercial rates for water and electricity. He demanded that they should be provided with separate meters for commercial and domestic usage.

Municipal Commissioner Vivek Pratap Singh said property tax notification was done in 2006 and the agenda was mooted only to decide the amount of tax.

Councillors, however, said that they wouldn't allow imposing the tax. Councillor Malkit Singh said that the villages are not being provided with proper facilities. He added that in the presence of the panchayati system they could get work done faster. However, it is now being delayed.

Councillor MP Kohli said that other villages should also be exempted from tax if tax on these five villages are opposed. Deputy Mayor Satish Kainth said that the village bye laws prepared by the Administration should be passed and then decisions should be taken.