Date:12/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/12/stories/2006051224640400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

BMP chief directs revenue officials to meet targets

Staff Reporter

Ensure that the civic body's property tax target of Rs. 400 crore is met: Jairaj

Officials asked to make sure owners of commercial property are paying revised tax rates

Commissioner reviews functioning of the Health Department

BANGALORE: The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) Commissioner K. Jairaj on Wednesday directed revenue officials to take up an intensive drive to detect property tax evaders and bring them under the tax net.

During a review of the Revenue Department, the Commissioner warned the revenue officials of drastic action if their performance was not up to the mark.

He directed the officials to ensure that the civic body's property tax target of Rs. 400 crore was met. "I will not tolerate the set targets not being met. We need to mobilise more resources to meet the growing needs of the city," he said.

While asking officials to issue holder khatas to owners of property in revenue pockets and collect tax from them, Mr. Jairaj said that it was their duty to ensure that all citizens pay tax by the stipulated date.

He directed the officials to ensure that owners of commercial buildings, for which property tax rates had been hiked by 20 per cent in the BMP budget for 2006-2007, compulsorily pay the revised rates.

The rates had been increased by 20 per cent after the State Government revised the guidance value of property recently. The BMP expects Rs. 55 crore through this sector.

The Commissioner also reviewed the functioning of the Health Department and directed officials to ensure that cleaning operations in the city were not affected at any cost. "I want you to identify all black spots and ensure that they are removed. Complete sanitation with spick and span areas should be our motto," he said.