SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, May 12: Amid several provisions made under the Jharkhand Municipal Property Tax (Assessment, Collection and Recovery) Amendment Rules 2022, one of the most important changes in the holding tax is now being calculated based on circle rate.
Ranchi’s Deputy Mayor Sanjeev Vijayvargiya on Thursday held a press conference protesting this change and urged the residents of the city to not pay holding tax unless the board of the corporation discusses it over and makes changes.
Stating that it will affect the residential, commercial and vacant plots, the Dy Mayor said, “The state government, with advice from the cabinet will start collecting holding tax from today under the newly increased rates.
Addressing the importance of the Cabinet, the deputy mayor further stated, “Even though the cabinet has every right to make decisions, however, when taking such decisions, it is the duty of the cabinet to consult the board of the corporation before passing the new decree. However, neither was the board consulted regarding the issue, nor was it informed earlier.”
“Even Nagar Parshads that was selected by the citizens were not informed about either the holding tax to be collected or the increase in the tax amount. Beginning collection without prior information to the citizens or their representatives is not the right manner,” Dy Mayor added.
Further talking about a similar issue of the past, when holding tax was increased by the government, Vijayvargiya stated, “Similar circumstances arose in the past in 2016 when, holding tax amount was increased, but the residents had issues about it. After the pandemic, we had a few suggestions regarding an increase in holding tax. However, rates now being charged based on circle rate would increase the amount for some tax holders up to 25 percent, while some will see a 25 percent hike.”
He suggested that the state government initially take suggestions from the board of the corporation, after which Nagar Parshads should be informed of this and even their suggestions should be taken. The Dy Mayor also suggested that the government consult and follow the constitution of the Municipal Corporation, instead of taking such action without thinking of the residents of the state.”
He further informed of the garbage collection now being done by the RMC and urged people to not pay anyone unless the RMC releases a notification in this regard.
The Dy Mayor added, “After we removed the CDC, several collectors roam about the city asking for money from residents based on waste management. Please don’t pay these people as whenever the RMC does ask for payment for waste management, we will inform the residents formally.”
