Property tax rebate done away with

By B. K. Vittal

BANGALORE, MAY 28. If public memory is short, the memory of the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) can be shorter, but only when it suits it. This ``poor memory'' has been used by the BMP to its advantage in the controversial Self Assessment Scheme (SAS) for property tax being implemented by the authorities, to deny a hard- earned concession to owners of residential properties.

It was after a long-drawn agitation, supported by all political parties without exception and well-meaning public-spirited persons that the citizens were able to get free allowance of water upto 25,000 litres more than three decades ago under an agreement between the then Bangalore City Corporation and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). After gradual dilution over the years, the concession was reduced to a rebate of Rs. 140 in the property tax.

Under the guise of the SAS, the concession is now being done away with as it does not contain any provision for reduction of Rs. 140 as rebate (corresponding to an annual rateable value of Rs. 520, including property tax and 31 per cent cesses) provided by a resolution of the BMP Council.

The resolution of the BMP Council was passed on December 30, 1994 during the term of Mr. G. Kuppaswami, a Congress(I) Mayor. The resolution, passed unanimously, provided for a rebate in the annual property tax effective from April 1, 1995 in place of the free water supply which had been abolished by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board on the direction of the Government.

The benefit of the resolution was, however, denied till October 1, 1995. But despite a clarification by the BMP Commissioner that all khatedars having domestic water connections, including cases where sub- numbers had been given, were eligible for reduction of property tax of Rs. 140, many could not get the concession as there were no instructions to the concerned range offices. Even to this day several property owners continue to be denied the benefit.

A BMP source, whose attention was drawn to the absence of the provision for rebate of Rs. 140 in the annual property tax under the SAS scheme, commented that with the new scheme in operation, the old concessions were not valid.

The fact, however, is that the resolution providing for the rebate continues to be on record and is valid till it is rescinded, a person well-versed in civic affairs said.

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Section  : Southern States
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