Date:12/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/12/stories/2006111207150300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

Hike in property tax opposed

Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR: Activists of the All-India Youth Federation burnt an effigy of Minister for Municipal Administration Koneru Ranga Rao here on Saturday in protest against the impending hike in water and property tax in urban areas. They also sought withdrawal of GOs 511 and 512 issued for the purpose.

The activists came in a procession from the district office of CPI and staged a protest in front of the office of Municipal Corporation. District president of the youth outfit N. Sreeramulu, general secretary G. Gopal and others said the proposed hike in water and property tax would be an additional burden on the people of drought-hit Anantapur district.

During Nagarabaata programme last year Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy promised to sanction Rs. 1,200 crores for development of infrastructure in municipal areas. But, the amount had not been given so far. The proposal to hike property tax by 75 per cent for residential premises and by 150 per cent for commercial premises and vacant sites would be an unbearable burden on the middle class and poor, they said.

They criticised the officials for not making any efforts to get the tax dues of about Rs. 5 crores in the town from affluent sections.