The Times of India 04.09.2010.
It's all about money at BBMP council
BANGALORE: The spotlight fell on advertising hoardings at the BBMP council meeting on Friday. JD(S) leader Padmanabha Reddy wanted the civic body to initiate action against companies involved in irregularities.
"Assign eight assistant revenue inspectors exclusively to monitor the 2,350 ad hoardings. How many have been removed? What action has BBMP taken against offenders? The issue was brought to the commissioner's notice with evidence. He must answer what action has been initiated against erring companies," Reddy said.
He further suggested that the council collect advertisement tax from companies which display ads on BMTC buses. "As per the KMC Act, any advertisement displayed in the city must pay tax to the local self-government. The same must be applied to ads displayed on BMTC buses," he said.
On additional revenue mobilization, Reddy questioned: "How do you make a lorry driver pay tax to BBMP? How can this collection be monitored?"
WHERE'S THE POWER?
Providing machines for BBMP tailoring centres is a waste when the city is reeling under severe power shutdowns. On the second day of discussions, Reddy pointed out anomalies throughout the budget copy. "Will BBMP provide alternative power supply for these machines? How feasible will it be?" he questioned.
FORM TEAMS TO VERIFY SAS
With the introduction of Self-Assessment Scheme (SAS) for property tax, there have been instances where owners have made lesser assessment of their properties. "Form two teams of revenue officials in each ward to cross-check the declarations and this can prevent a huge amount of revenue loss. There are instances wherein one municipal number has been given to several houses," he said.
CITY DESERVES MORE FUNDS
Bangalore alone contributes to 75% of the state's revenue and there was a suggestion that a BBMP delegation must meet the chief minister and finance commission to harness more funds for the city. "The Rs 2,600-crore loan which BBMP has taken from different nationalized banks during the administrator's regime must be paid by the state government. This elected body must not bear the burden," Reddy stated.
INTRODUCE BMC ACT
The council demanded the introduction of a Bangalore Metropolitan Committee (BMC) Act which forms guidelines for the city's development. This is one of the issues long pending with the state government.
"Assign eight assistant revenue inspectors exclusively to monitor the 2,350 ad hoardings. How many have been removed? What action has BBMP taken against offenders? The issue was brought to the commissioner's notice with evidence. He must answer what action has been initiated against erring companies," Reddy said.
He further suggested that the council collect advertisement tax from companies which display ads on BMTC buses. "As per the KMC Act, any advertisement displayed in the city must pay tax to the local self-government. The same must be applied to ads displayed on BMTC buses," he said.
On additional revenue mobilization, Reddy questioned: "How do you make a lorry driver pay tax to BBMP? How can this collection be monitored?"
WHERE'S THE POWER?
Providing machines for BBMP tailoring centres is a waste when the city is reeling under severe power shutdowns. On the second day of discussions, Reddy pointed out anomalies throughout the budget copy. "Will BBMP provide alternative power supply for these machines? How feasible will it be?" he questioned.
FORM TEAMS TO VERIFY SAS
With the introduction of Self-Assessment Scheme (SAS) for property tax, there have been instances where owners have made lesser assessment of their properties. "Form two teams of revenue officials in each ward to cross-check the declarations and this can prevent a huge amount of revenue loss. There are instances wherein one municipal number has been given to several houses," he said.
CITY DESERVES MORE FUNDS
Bangalore alone contributes to 75% of the state's revenue and there was a suggestion that a BBMP delegation must meet the chief minister and finance commission to harness more funds for the city. "The Rs 2,600-crore loan which BBMP has taken from different nationalized banks during the administrator's regime must be paid by the state government. This elected body must not bear the burden," Reddy stated.
INTRODUCE BMC ACT
The council demanded the introduction of a Bangalore Metropolitan Committee (BMC) Act which forms guidelines for the city's development. This is one of the issues long pending with the state government.
