NAGPUR: The new property tax is likely to be 0.2% of ready reckoner value of properties. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation's (NMC) general body will take a final call on the proposal this month, but the new rates may be implemented from the next fiscal.

Municipal commissioner Shyam Wardhane said the administration gave a presentation of the ready reckoner based property tax system to mayor Anil Sole and other office bearers at a meeting on Wednesday.

Sources told TOI that the administration proposes to go for 0.2% of ready reckoner value as property tax. Members of the committee headed by Sole suggested a few changes, like excluding bars and restaurants from one category, and directed that the proposal be sent to the general body. Sole is likely to hold a he meeting of general body in the second or third week of this month, where a final decision will be taken. The decision is very important as taxpayers may face high property tax due to revision in ready reckoner rates in January.

Speaking about his focus since joining, Wardhane said a penalty of Rs1 lakh has been slapped on sanitation operator Kanak Resources for not ensuring garbage-free roads and streets. "Sanitation and cleanliness will be my top priority, with regular inspection from 7am. Cattle-sheds not registered with dairy development will be moved outside city limits. NMC is also planning a cattle-shed at Bhandewadi and may shift registered cattle-sheds there. Of over 1,172 cattle-sheds just 472 are registered," he said.

Expressing dismay over water operator Orange City Water Limited (OCWL), Wardhane said directives have been given to expedite the 24X7 water supply project. "OCWL was to lay new water network of 800 meter daily but has failed to meet the target. Now, OCWL has been asked to ensure laying of 1.8-2km water network daily. I am monitoring it daily. Besides, the target is to complete 50% works undertaken under JNNURM and finish off everything by end of 2013," he said.

Saying there was plan to change the Starbus operator immediately, or revise the agreement according to the Central government's enquiry report, Wardhane said any such decision may lead to breakdown of city bus service, affecting thousands. "Efforts are on to provide land for bus stop and parking. Meeting was held with PDKV, which was positive over giving land to NMC. Also, TATA company has agreed to undertake maintenance of buses. Plans are going on to improve services," he said.

Confirming the show cause notice to corporator Ramesh Punekar for misbehaving with assistant commissioner Dilip Patil, Wardhane said a reply has been received. "Further steps will be taken after going through the reply."

Wardhane also said that staffers are reaching office in time since his show cause notice to three staffers. Asked about Sonegaon lake, Wardhane said verification of exact land is going on.

He added, "It's too early, but all efforts are on to improve civic services and expedite development works. Issues like education, pay and park, roads etc will be dealt with in the coming days."