The Deccan Herald 16.11.2010
Property tax details to go online
Bangalore, Nov 15, DHNS
The details pertaining to payment of property details could go online if the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike has its way.
In its attempt to introduce transparency in the property tax payment system, the BBMP has initiated talks with service providers to host the details online. This would also enable the BBMP to find out any violations including short payment of the tax under the Self Assessment Scheme.
“We are planning this system to ensure that the BBMP is alerted even by common man of any loss being suffered due to false declaration of the property tax,” said a source. The system enables the neighbours to bring forth any violation by the neighbours. The informers’ identity will be kept confidential. The Unique Identification Number that will be allotted to all the properties will also be displayed. It is estimated that there are about 14 lakh properties in the Palike jurisdiction.
Steady decline
The attempts of the Palike to mop up funds through property tax collection have come a cropper. According to the members of Standing Committee on Taxation and Finance the revenue from property tax stood at Rs 846 crore for the year 2010-11 as against the target of Rs 1,500 crore. The Palike has witnessed a steady decline in property tax collection.
While it raked up Rs 727 cr in August, the collection stood at Rs 112 crore over the last three months.
With the state government asking the Palike not to expect any assistance and Akrama-Sakrama scheme yet to get on way, the cash-strapped civic agency is finding it difficult to mobilise resources. “We are facing huge losses as there are allegations that Assistant Revenue Officers (ARO) are corrupt. Citizens have complained that some AROs have threatened with violations and demanded bribe,” said a Standing Committee member.
