Cash-strapped Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) seems to be exploring various options to collect more revenue.
Mayor B S Sathyanarayana, who has been conducting review meetings with various departments for the past three days, told reporters on Friday that plans were afoot to collect advertisement tax from companies that advertise in front of shops.
“I have directed officials to prepare a list of shops displaying advertisement boards and submit it by this month end,” he said.
Later, speaking to Express, Sathyanarayana said hoarding at petrol bunks, malls and other commercial places may also come under the ambit of the tax drive.
“Even if we charge Rs 500-1,000 per display, we will earn crores in revenue. There is no need for us to bring this to the Council for approval. The BBMP Advertisement Department is authorised to levy tax on these boards,” he said.
The Mayor said tax inspectors have been directed to visit 25 defaulters’ properties each day and collect fines, while revenue inspectors will visit five properties and revenue officers will visit one erring property. With this, officials can ascertain if the existing building has violated the Self Assessment Scheme as declared by owners.