Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is yet to recover Rs 54 crore dues from property tax defaulters, with the highest amounts pending from posh residential areas like Arera Colony, Bittan Market (Zone-10), and Lalghati (Zone-20).
Around Rs 8-10 crore are to be recovered from these areas. So far, BMC has collected over Rs 230 crore out of its total Rs 284 crore property tax target set for the 2024-25 financial year.
According to BMC’s revenue department, a major reason behind the pending dues is government-related delays, particularly in military areas like the Cantt area in Zone-3 and Bairagarh, where budget allocations are still awaited from the Ministry of Defence.
Rebate on surcharge announced
In an effort to boost collections, BMC has announced a special rebate scheme from March 25 to 31. Property owners with tax and surcharge dues up to Rs 50,000 will receive a 100% rebate on the surcharge.
For dues between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh, a 50% surcharge exemption will be provided, while those owing more than Rs 1 lakh will receive a surcharge rebate of 25%.
Property dues surcharge rebate
Up to Rs 50,000 100% Rs 50,000-1lakh 50% Over Rs 1 lakh 25%
Water tax dues surcharge rebate
Up to Rs 10,000 100%
Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000 75%
Exceeding Rs 50,000 25%
The civic body is also offering rebates on water tax dues. Consumers with outstanding amounts up to Rs 10,000 will receive a 100% surcharge rebate. Those with dues between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000 can avail of a 75% discount on the surcharge, while a 50% surcharge exemption is available for dues exceeding Rs 50,000.
Properties of 2 tax defaulters attached
BMC took action against two tax defaulters in Ward No. 28, Zone No. 08. The properties of Kasturi Bai in Sudama Nagar (worth Rs 73,871) and Prakash Chand Saxena in Suruchi Nagar (worth Rs 30,465) were attached over non-payment of property tax, water charges, and solid waste management fees.