Date:28/05/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/05/28/stories/2004052814650300.htm

New Delhi

`Review house tax rates'

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, MAY 27. The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the Hardship and Anomaly Committee of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to review the house tax rates under the new Unit Area System, which came into force from April 1. In a memorandum submitted, the PHDCCI requested for a more reasonable rates. The unit area values ranging from Rs 630 per sqm for category A to Rs. 200 per sqm for category G are on a higher side.

The Chamber suggested that the industrial areas be placed two categories lower as compared to the one announced earlier by the MCD. "This would encourage hi-tech, non-polluting industries," it said. Giving specific example, it said Mohan Co-operative Industrial Estate, which has been placed in category D, be further lowered keeping in view dismal condition of infrastructure, lack of basic civic amenities including roads and sewage. Further, industries and services identified, as thrust areas operating from non-industrial areas should also be classified separately at lower rates, it said.

The PHDCCI urged the Committee that the 30 per cent rebate for senior citizens, women owned properties, physically challenged and ex-servicemen should not be limited to the covered space up to 100 sqm. "This would to a great extent reduce the exorbitant burden of property tax hike for this section of the society," it said.