Special drive soon for property tax collection

Chittoor: In order to make civic body self sufficient, Chittoor Municipal Corporation (CMC) commissioner Balasubramanyam said that a special drive would be launched soon in the city to achieve target of 100 per cent house property tax collection.

Balasubramanyam took charge from the outgoing municipal commissioner Suresh, two days ago. Speaking to The Hans India here on Tuesday, Balasubramanyam stated that Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana had instructed all the municipal corporations in the State to become self sufficient without depending on the government.

The official said that the corporation is lagging behind in collection of property tax. “The CMC is facing shortage of funds to take up repairs,” he added. He revealed that the CMC has to collect Rs 2.5 crore property tax dues.

The commissioner said that the CMC has been included in the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme. “CMC cannot be developed under the AMRUT scheme if it fails to achieve 100 per cent tax collection,” he added. He stressed on the need for an immediate need to reshuffle staff in the CMC and fix the targets for achieving 100 per cent property tax collection.

He said that supply of drinking water through hired tankers to the slum areas would be restored because of acute water shortage in certain divisions. Efforts are on to supply drinking water from NTR Jalasayam covering majority divisions,” he said.

Balasubramanyam stated that white ration card holders would be given tap connections within 24 hours and for others based on seniority and waiting list. He pointed out that more importance would be given to sanitation and street lighting in the city as per the instructions of the District Collector. Steps have been initiated for beautification of the city,” he note