Palike told to issue property ID nos by month-end

Bangalore-in-Charge Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday set November 30 as the deadline for Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials to provide Property Identification Numbers (PIN) to all properties under its limits.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of the BBMP Standing Committee on Taxation, he said that these properties will have to be brought under GIS-based Property Tax System to ensure that there are no flaws when it comes to tax payment.

Even as officials claimed that 98 per cent of the properties have been registered under the system, Mayor Shantakumari was sceptical.  “If 98 per cent have been covered, it would have yielded more revenue. As per my knowledge, just about 80 per cent of the work has been done,” she added.

She warned that inspections would be conducted in each ward after December 15 and strict action taken against officials providing false information. BBMP should get Rs 680 crore as betterment charges from buildings on the outskirts of the City as builders procured khata by submitting affidavit. However, only Rs 80 crore has been collected so far. “Officials concerned have been directed to identify builders who have not paid the fees and ensure that they pay,” she said.

Shantakumari also directed officials to evaluate the properties so as to increase the amount collected as property tax.

“Last year, Rs 1,200 crore was collected as property tax. This year, the chief minister has set a target of Rs 2,900 crore. So far Rs 1,302 crore has been collected,” she said.

The Mayor said that there was no need to hike the property tax and if officials did a thorough job, enough revenue could be mobilised.  “Officials have been citing shortage of staff as excuse for not achieving the target. Even earlier, the commissioner has said the work can be outsourced. Despite that, the joint commissioners have not taken the required measures,” she said.

“It is estimated that the Palike has at least 800 accounts as a result of which it is tough to identify to which account the money is routed. The commissioner has thus decided to discuss with officials and ensure that only essential accounts are retained,” she added.