The Hindu 27.10.2010
Panel okays betterment charges, garbage cess
Staff Reporter
Betterment charges rate has been reduced by Rs. 50 for all categories
Bangalore: The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) Standing Committee on Taxation and Finance on Tuesday approved the proposal to collect betterment charges and garbage cess from citizens. It will now come before the BBMP Council for approval.
Sources said that the betterment charges rate had been reduced by Rs. 50 for all categories. It has been proposed that the owners of sites measuring up to 30 ft X 40 ft (111 sq m) pay Rs. 150 per sq m, those owning sites measuring up to 60 ft X 40 ft (222.96 sq m) pay Rs. 200 per sq m, while those owning larger sites pay Rs. 300 per sq m. The committee decided to award garbage tenders either sub-division-wise or ward-wise and okayed garbage cess on property tax. The BBMP hopes to collect at least Rs. 150 crore under this head.
Sources said that the committee members decided to not award the tenders/ contract to those against whom the Vigilance Cell had recommended criminal action. The 30-odd contractors had gone to court. However, the court has now directed the Commissioner to look into the charges levelled by the Vigilance Cell and initiate appropriate action against the contractors.
