URGENT PRESS STATEMENT:
RE; NEW PROPERTY TAX AND THE GAMES BMC PLAYS AND FAILS TO UNDERSTAND THE
SENTIMENTS OF THE CITIZENS.
We have seen headlines in some of the esteemed newspapers of today that the BMC
is contemplating to extend the March 31 tax payment deadline as it appears
citizens will not be able to face the burden of paying taxes with retrospective
effect at one go.
It is rather unfortunate that the BMC, State Government and the Politicians
have not sensed the mood of the citizens and are really testing their patience
when the demand is to relook at the way the New Property Tax is computed. The
formula for calculation on New Property Tax based on Capital Value is flawed ,
unjust and unreasonnable. There is no rationalisation of taxes at all.
Our demands are very clear and are listed below. Nothing short of it will
soothe the ruffled feelings of the citizens.
Some of the demands are as follows:
1. To stay the implementation of the present new property tax based on capital
value with immediate effect till such time a just formula is worked out for
the computation of the tax and BMC to adopt old rateable value till such time
85% mandatory mapping is complete.
2. BMC should immediately complete GIS mapping wherever possible or else
underatke door to door survey to bring all properties under tax net.
3. The new valuation rules be simply linked to area of occupation in
Sq..ft[carpet area] which is being followed by the various municipal
corporations in the country, including Pune Municipal Corporation.
4. Only statutory exemptions to be allowed [ properties under 500 sq.ft / SRA
should be brought under full tax net]
5. SRA Flats occupied by persons other than originally allotee within a period
of 10 years from the date of allotment should be seized and confiscated.
6. Setting up of group consisting of eminent Experts / NGO'S / Elected
representatives which can study the existing systems, analyse problems and
adopt the best solutions.
Dolphy Dsouza - 9820226227 Adv. Godfrey Pimenta
Nicholas Almeida
SOUL Team Trustee -
Watchdog Foundation President- Sahar Citizens Forum
Spokesperson
09820226227 09819730201
Almeida House, Church Road no 02, Sahar, Vile Parle East, Mumbai 400 099
http://www.thewatchdog.in
Dated: 8th March 2013
