The Times of India 25.10.2013
KMC takes tech route to curb property tax evasion
KOLHAPUR: The property tax department of the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC), which is struggling to generate revenue, will start mapping properties in the city based on Geographic Information System (GIS). The KMC could generate revenue worth Rs 10 crore, which is just 20% of the target, in the first six months of the current financial year. KMC officials said GIS mapping could curb property tax evasion by bringing transparency into the system.
The KMC will start mapping properties from the C ward in the first phase, which will be rolled out in the end of November. "We completed the survey of the households recently, according to which there are 1.26 lakh properties in the city. The commercial, residential and institutional properties have been surveyed and the data generated through the survey will be incorporated in the GIS-based maps along with the photographs of the properties," said estate officer Sanjay Bhosale.
According to the system, every property will be given a unique identity number. Once the number is fed into the system, information unearthed by the survey such as the corresponding house number, detailed address and owner's name as well as electricity and water connection numbers, built-up and carpet area, number of floors and year of construction will be made available to assess the property tax.
KMC systems manager Nazia Mullani said, "The GIS mapping system not only covers properties, but also has data related to trees, temporary structures and municipal as well as other service utilities. It also helps in better urban planning and effective implementation of developmental schemes by providing exact measurements, size and location of buildings. It would give a clear picture of illegal encroachments and other violations."
The KMC has set a target of Rs 41 crore as revenue generation from the property tax department. The mapping of properties and proper assessment of tax will help to achieve the target.
