BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Tuesday that discussions are on to find ways to reduce property tax penalties on certain properties within the limits of BBMP.
Speaking at the ‘Government at Your Doorstep’ event, he said that he has asked BBMP officials to collect taxes as per the old regime and not to force property owners to pay the new tariff.
“Many pleas have been received to reduce the property tax penalties for 30x40 sites and sheds on them. Discussions are on with BBMP officials,” Shivakumar said. He asked property owners not to worry about the notices issued to them concerning payment of property taxes and penalties, he added.
The BBMP Act, 2020, has provisions to impose heavy penalties for delay in payment of property tax and it has to be amended. More information in this regard will be out in a few days, he said.
Govt plans new law to curb illegal banners
“We intend to bring everyone under the tax bracket. With the widened tax net, taxpayers and BBMP will benefit. Under the self-declaration scheme, people are under-declaring their property measurements. Minister Ramalinga Reddy has written to him in this regard,” Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said.
He said that given increasing complaints about traffic congestion, tenders have been invited for white topping of roads at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore.
On-street vendors being evicted at some places, Shivakumar said all such vendors should be registered and must operate from a particular zone. It causes inconvenience to the people if they do business on the pavements.
He said the BBMP commissioner has been instructed to take strict action against those erecting banners and posters in the city. “We are planning to formulate a new law to regulate illegal hoardings and banners in the city,” he added.
Regarding the officials who have been suspended during the ‘Government at Your Doorstep’ event for dereliction of duty and malpractices, he said, “We will release a list of officials suspended when the programme ends.”
Housing Minister and Chamrajpet MLA BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan said 3,600 houses will be constructed by the Karnataka Slum Board and Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation by next month.