<p>The property owners, under Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), are opposing the civic body for increasing property tax amidst Covid-19 crisis and and demanding withdrawal of the decision.</p>.<p>The MCC Council approved the hike of 15% property tax in a meeting chaired by Mayor Rukmini Madegowda, recently. The revised taxation will come into effect from April 1. The revised tax is applicable on houses, commercial complexes, trusts, theatres, choultries, community halls and other establishments.</p>.<p>There are 1,83,949 properties under the purview of MCC and the civic body was generating Rs 150 crore until now. With 15% hike, the MCC will get an additional Rs 30.34 crore. With this, the revenue from property tax will go up to Rs 180.34 crore.</p>.<p>Uday Kumar, a resident of Gokulam, who owns a commercial building, said, "It is not the right time to increase tax, as many people are under financial crisis. "Due to the Covid pandemic, there is no business."</p>.<p>Kumar, who had rented three portions in his building, said, "Two of the portions are vacant since July 2020. I have no income from them. But, I have to pay electricity bill and tax. The officials concerned must think about it, before increasing tax. I am not opposing a hike. But, a small hike would be welcome."</p>.<p>Chandrakala of Vijayanagar took severe exception to the MCC and corporators. “We have no problem to pay tax. But, the authorities should ensure proper services. The problem of road and water remain unattended since several years. The main road near Vijayanagar water tank was dug two years back to lay water pipeline. The MCC and corporators have no moral right to increase the tax,” she said. </p>.<p>Chandru said, "Water problem is rampant during summer and the residents depend on private water tankers. Though, the MCC supplies water through tankers for free, they are not available when needed. Thus, we spend Rs 500 to Rs 600 per tanker for water. It was not proper to hike 15% during Covid crisis. I have lost 30% in my salary and I have no other income."</p>.<p>However, an officer claimed that the tax hike is inevitable, to provide services and for maintenance. "A majority of the property owners are reluctant to pay tax. Pending tax is a huge amount. Only 60% tax was collected in the last financial year," he said.</p>.<p>Rajasekhar, a property owner said, "Just because a majority of property owners do not pay the taxes promptly, penalising prompt tax-payers is not acceptable. Instead of increasing the taxes, the MCC should take steps to recover pending taxes from defaulters."</p>
<p>The property owners, under Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), are opposing the civic body for increasing property tax amidst Covid-19 crisis and and demanding withdrawal of the decision.</p>.<p>The MCC Council approved the hike of 15% property tax in a meeting chaired by Mayor Rukmini Madegowda, recently. The revised taxation will come into effect from April 1. The revised tax is applicable on houses, commercial complexes, trusts, theatres, choultries, community halls and other establishments.</p>.<p>There are 1,83,949 properties under the purview of MCC and the civic body was generating Rs 150 crore until now. With 15% hike, the MCC will get an additional Rs 30.34 crore. With this, the revenue from property tax will go up to Rs 180.34 crore.</p>.<p>Uday Kumar, a resident of Gokulam, who owns a commercial building, said, "It is not the right time to increase tax, as many people are under financial crisis. "Due to the Covid pandemic, there is no business."</p>.<p>Kumar, who had rented three portions in his building, said, "Two of the portions are vacant since July 2020. I have no income from them. But, I have to pay electricity bill and tax. The officials concerned must think about it, before increasing tax. I am not opposing a hike. But, a small hike would be welcome."</p>.<p>Chandrakala of Vijayanagar took severe exception to the MCC and corporators. “We have no problem to pay tax. But, the authorities should ensure proper services. The problem of road and water remain unattended since several years. The main road near Vijayanagar water tank was dug two years back to lay water pipeline. The MCC and corporators have no moral right to increase the tax,” she said. </p>.<p>Chandru said, "Water problem is rampant during summer and the residents depend on private water tankers. Though, the MCC supplies water through tankers for free, they are not available when needed. Thus, we spend Rs 500 to Rs 600 per tanker for water. It was not proper to hike 15% during Covid crisis. I have lost 30% in my salary and I have no other income."</p>.<p>However, an officer claimed that the tax hike is inevitable, to provide services and for maintenance. "A majority of the property owners are reluctant to pay tax. Pending tax is a huge amount. Only 60% tax was collected in the last financial year," he said.</p>.<p>Rajasekhar, a property owner said, "Just because a majority of property owners do not pay the taxes promptly, penalising prompt tax-payers is not acceptable. Instead of increasing the taxes, the MCC should take steps to recover pending taxes from defaulters."</p>