Focus on tax collection, DC tells urban local bodies

The urban local bodies (ULBs) should give preference to collection of taxes and reach the revenue target set. The money collected in the form of taxes helps in implementing development programmes, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shadakshariswamy said.
 

Chairing a review meeting of the ULBs in the city on Sunday, he expressed displeasure at the ULBs for failing to collect taxes. The ULBs should show the progress in tax collection in the next meeting, he said.

Of all the ULBs, Chikkamagaluru City Municipal Council (CMC) has reached only 30 per cent of the target. While Kadur Town Municipal Council (TMC)—50 per cent, Tarikere TMC—43 per cent, Birur TMC—54 per cent, Mudigere Town Panchayat—46 per cent, Koppa Town Panchayat—60 per cent and Sringeri Town Panchayat—68 per cent in tax collections.

A Kadur TMC official said that shortage of engineers has affected the tax collection process. Then, the DC said that engineers will be deployed to the civic body.

He said that the chief officers of ULBs and health officers should focus on cleanliness. Garbage should be segregated at the source, he added.

The DC said the funds earmarked under 24.10 per cent for the welfare of SC/STs, 7.25 per cent for the welfare of poor and three per cent for the welfare of disabled should be utilised effectively. All the development works should be completed within the set timeframe. The DC also flayed the officials for delay in completing the housing projects.