In comparison to previous years, this time the municipal corporation has become successful in bringing in more revenue from property tax collections by nabbing defaulters. The officials claimed that they had already recovered the amount equal to the one collected in property tax last year.
The officials claimed that they had recovered Rs 75 crore from the property tax defaulters, which was the total amount collected in the last financial year, and so this time they were hopeful of achieving the target of Rs 100 crore.
This year, 2.66 lakh people have deposited their property tax, out of which 1.37 lakh are from this year while the remaining belong to the previous years. However, even now 50,000 to 70,000 returns are still pending.
The interlinking of unique identity numbers with property tax helped the civic body in bringing in more revenue. By February 26, the residents are also getting a chance to settle their dues without any penalty or interest but after this date they will have to pay the remaining dues in full.
The superintendent of MC, Vivek Verma, said, “As compared to last year, we have generated Rs 17 crore more and hopefully we will meet the target.” He said they were catching hold of defaulters and those who would not deposit the same would have to face action.
Meanwhile, Ludhiana MC is all set to take part in Best ULB International Award for GIS-based property tax system. The civic body is participating in this for bringing changes in its property tax recovery system. The city has qualified for participating in this award and officials are hoping to get this award.
Rs 5 crore tax from 10,500 defaulters
During the ongoing drive, the civic officials caught hold of 10,500 defaulters who did not deposit their property tax even once, so now they deposited the same for the last seven years. Almost Rs 5 crore were generated for all these years and Rs 1 crore was collected only for this year in taxes.
One week left for availing 10% rebate
Only one week is left for the people to avail 10% rebate on their pending house and property taxes. By February 26, the residents can avail of this chance and after this 10% penalty will be imposed for the next three months.