Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is cracking down on tax defaulters in an effort to meet its revenue collection target for the current financial year. The focus will be on holding tax and trade licence defaulters in the city.
At a high-level meeting held on Tuesday, BMC officials decided to identify major holding tax defaulters and give them until January 15 to clear their dues. Failure to do so will result in legal action being taken against them.
One particular area of concern is the false information provided about the carpet area of properties for holding tax assessment. Any violations of this nature will be met with legal consequences, according to a civic body official.
BMC commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange stated that those individuals who have registered their properties as holding, but have been engaged in commercial activities, will face penal action. Ward officers will be responsible for identifying such violations.
To raise awareness about holding tax assessment, a mobile van will be launched to educate the public. We are focusing on achieving our holding tax revenue target before the end of the financial year, said Kulange.
In addition to holding tax, the BMC is also targeting the collection of trade licence fees. Ward officers have been given weekly targets and have been instructed to raise awareness among trade licensees about the benefits of timely payment.
Sources reveal that so far this fiscal year, BMC has only collected 26% of its targeted Rs 115 crore from holding tax. Similarly, the collection from trade licences stands at about 30% of the targeted Rs 6.8 crore.
Residents are expressing their dissatisfaction with the level of civic amenities provided despite paying taxes. Jitesh Mehta, a resident of Patia, stated, We pay all taxes but we need quality civic services. Crores are being spent on solid waste management but the results are zero.
BMC’s crackdown on tax defaulters aims to bridge the gap between revenue collection and the set targets. With the last quarter of the financial year underway, the corporation is prioritizing its efforts to ensure compliance from defaulters.
By targeting those who have failed to pay holding tax and trade licence fees, BMC aims to increase its revenue and improve the provision of civic amenities in the city. Ward officers will play a crucial role in identifying violators and raising awareness about the importance of timely tax payment.
With time running out, BMC is determined to achieve its revenue targets before the financial year ends. The launch of a mobile van to educate citizens about holding tax assessment is expected to contribute to this goal.
As legal action looms for defaulters, BMC’s efforts serve as a reminder to citizens about their responsibilities in contributing to the development and maintenance of their city. With increased awareness and cooperation, Bhubaneswar can strive towards a better future for all.
