Consider this. There are 25 lakh properties under the jurisdiction of BBMP but only 15 lakh of them are in tax net.
The result: a shortfall in the BBMP’s collection of property tax. Against the set target of Rs 2,500 crore, the Palike could collect only Rs 1,300 crore this fiscal year.
At review meeting here on Monday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah set a target of September end to bring all properties in the tax net.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who is also the district in-charge minister of Bangalore Urban, said there was no proposal to hike the property tax slabs but steps would be taken to ensure tax compliance by all.
He said the chief minister sought a detailed probe into the illegal conversion of ‘B’ kathas to ‘A’ kathas by BBMP officials. The Palike had outstanding loans to the tune of Rs 3,500 crore, besides owing Rs 1,800 crore to contractors, Reddy said. The draft BBMP budget for 2014-15 will be cleared by the State government in a day or two, Reddy said.
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