Earlier, property tax was calculated based on the expected rent from a property. The current method, implemented in 2000, on the other hand, takes into account the location and usage of the property too.
If a new software, such as the one introduced by BBMP, is being launched for property tax payers, there should be a rigorous test run first. It needs attention to detail akin to a rocket launch.
There may have been time constraints, but the mess could have been avoided by starting the process much earlier. There needs to be checks on outlandish tax demands and such errors should be rectified manually. The backend database needs to be robust for the front end to work well.
We have databases with multiple parameters like old PID, new PID, application number, etc. defining a specific property. Ideally, we should have unique property ID that becomes the reference property number. This must be geo-referenced to identify it uniquely.
Bug testing needs to be rigorous. One cannot go live and just hope that it works. There should be a protocol in place to address citizens’ concerns when things go wrong. This is very critical and a source of frustration for citizens who are forced to run around from office to office.
(The writer is an urban expert who is actively involved in the city’s civic issues)