Members of Senior Citizens Association of Banashankari have suggested a ‘think-tank’ comprising eminent personalities be set up to prepare a draft plan on property taxation structure in consultation with citizens.
“Now that the onus of deciding the scheme lies with the new government, we suggest a committee of knowledgable people represented by various sections of society be set up. This committee should set the ball rolling for keeping a draft proposal ready for the new government so that the implementation could be beyond the interests of political parties and thereby impartial,” T K Jaganathan, executive committee member of the association, said.
B K Goyal, FKCCI’s managing committee member, said citizens should elect responsible persons so they can think about the implications before evolving any new scheme. “Let us be extra careful while electing our representatives,” he said.
Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman B K Chandrashekar and former mayor P R Ramesh hailed the Governor’s decision to put the scheme on hold. “It is unfortunate the bureaucrats were taking major policy decisions without even consulting the public. The Governor’s decision clearly states that citizens cannot be ignored in a democracy,” Mr Ramesh said.
Members of Citizens Action Forum (CAF) have demanded that Karnataka Municipal Corporations (KMC) Act be amended to bring in a valid provision with regard to taxation so that average citizens are not affected adversly.
‘Amend KMC Act’
“CVS is unconstitutional as it ignores the basic principles of taxation - principle of fairness, involving both ‘ability to pay’ and ‘equity’. There is a need to amend the KMC Act so that average citizens are not put to hardship, which might lead to gentrification,” CAF general secretary Mathew Thomas said.
CAF President N S Mukunda said the organisation will continue discussions with various political parties urging them to evolve a citizen-friendly taxation system.
FKCCI President S S Patil has thanked representatives of various associations and politicians for supporting the organisation’s campaign against CVS.
“We thank the Governor for responding to the citizens’ demands,” he said.