Date:03/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/03/stories/2008120358870300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Traders flay property tax revision

Staff Reporter

— Photo: S. James

TAXING ISSUE: P. Mohan, MP, speaking at a protest staged in the city on Tuesday.

MADURAI: Hundreds of traders and businessmen belonging to various trade bodies staged a day-long fast here on Tuesday protesting the “huge” rate of property tax revision by the Madurai Corporation.

The property tax revision for commercial buildings was fixed by the Corporation at 100 per cent or 75 per cent based on the building’s category; for special buildings (marriage halls, lodges and hospitals) at 125 per cent; for large industrial units 100 per cent; for small scale industrial units 75 per cent; and 50 per cent for cinema halls.

Speakers pointed out that even industrial towns such as Erode and Tirupur had property tax revision only in the order of 25 to 30 per cent.

Inaugurating the fast, Madurai MP P. Mohan called upon the Madurai Corporation to form an all-party committee comprising all MLAs, councillors and other elected representatives from Madurai to meet the Chief Minister.

“The Local Administration Minister recently announced the sanction of Rs. 200 crore to Chennai Corporation for establishing parks. We should also seek funds as the Madurai Corporation is citing paucity of funds as the reason for the quantum of increase in property taxes,” he said.

He also called for establishment of a regulatory body along the lines of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). “Though we have something like that, the body here does not have powers or funds. If such a body is set up and given the requisite powers, it could get funds from the Central Government,” said Mr. Mohan.

“When the Left party councillors raise this issue in the council meeting, they are not given a proper reply. Also, of the 10 Corporations in the State, Madurai is among the least developed. Yet, the property tax revision is the highest,” he said.

Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry senior president S. Rethinavelu said that while the Chennai Corporation had not revised property tax this year, Madurai Corporation had gone ahead.