The Hindu     13.07.2016 

Metrowater tax collection sees a surge

Chennai Metrowater has collected taxes and charges of Rs. 92.77 crore during the first quarter of this fiscal.

This is nearly 24 per cent more than the amount collected during the same period last year.

While Metrowater is continuing its vigorous collection drive, residents of some added areas, however, raised concern about the quantum of tax and charges collected.

Numbers up

The amount collected is nearly Rs. 17.70 crore more than the Rs. 75.07 crore collected last year during the same months.

Some residents in Officers Colony, Anna Nagar Western Extension complained that the collection centre in Metrowater depot-89 office often remained closed either because of lack of manpower or internet connectivity problems.

V. Padma, a resident, said she had to travel a few kilometres to the Ambattur zone office to pay her water and property tax.

Residents of Ambattur said they delayed applying for new connections fearing higher taxes and connection charges.

S. Raghuraman, a resident, said fresh assessment order provided by Chennai Corporation is being sought for new connections. This has added to the confusion of residents about getting connections.

Tax arrears

In Mogappair West too, residents were concerned about payment of tax arrears.

S. Swaminathan, secretary, JAMBA United Welfare Association (a federation of residents’ welfare associations of the locality), said though the work for a comprehensive drainage network is pending, people are asked to pay water and sewerage tax.

“Instead of insisting on paying tax for previous years, the water agency must seek water tax from the time connections are provided,” he said.

However, sources in Metrowater said water and sewerage tax are being collected in the added areas based on the property tax collected by the Greater Chennai Corporation.

While there may not be changes in the connection charges, water and sewerage tax will be levied according to the property tax levied. Moreover, arrears are also collected based on the period of property tax assessment.

The amount collected is nearly 24 per cent more than what was collected in the same period last year

The Hindu        12.07.2016 

New online layout approval system by Aug.

The Greater Chennai Corporation plans to speed up the process by introducing a new online layout approval system for urban development by August.

An official of the Corporation said a trial run of the new system had begun in the northern areas of the city covering Tondiarpet, Royapuram, Manali, Madhavaram and Tiruvottiyur.

The Union Urban Development Ministry has directed the civic body to take initiatives for online layout approval as the State ranks low in implementing the 98-point action plan for business reforms. A large chunk of investments in Tamil Nadu are concentrated in Chennai. But, the process of obtaining layout plan approval and building approval continues to be challenging.

The Corporation had launched an online system in 2009 but it had glitches, was not fully automated and the whole process took between three to six months.

At least 10,000 buildings are developed in the city every year. Many of them remain unapproved because of red tape and issues relating to the existing system.

The old online system was also not integrated with the payment gateway.

“Any NRI who wants to start a business can get building approval or layout plan approval online without visiting the Corporation office through the new online system. The new system covers the process end-to-end,” said an official of the Corporation. Officials at the regional level are set to be instructed on how to expedite the process after August.

After online submission of the application through Chennai Corporation citizen portal, the system will generate an acknowledgement and an automated inspection schedule. The applicant will receive SMS and email notifications. After inspection, the payment of fee and printing of approved plan copy can be made through the citizen portal.

At a recent meeting, senior officials focussed on integrating a single window system with agencies such as the Airport Authority of India and CMDA. Construction of many multi-storied buildings have been delayed owing to restrictions relating to air traffic.

India was ranked 142 in Doing Business Report, 2015, released by the World Bank. The rank has improved in ‘dealing with construction permit’ and ‘getting electricity’ indicators as some cities such as Chennai have already initiated measures. However, many delegations visiting the city have stressed the need for quick approval.