Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Nov 24: People living within the jurisdiction of Badami Bagh Cantonment Board, an autonomous body under Ministry of Defense, are in shock and anger over board’s decision to levy property tax on them.
The board has issued tax bills to nearly 2000 commercial and residential structures falling within its jurisdiction. “There was pressure from the Government for its immediate implementation as the board lacks revenue. It was a long pending issue and provisions regarding it were already in place since 1965,” Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Upendar Kumar, told Excelsior.
Residents of several localities told Excelsior that they have received property tax bills from the Board for 2019-2020. They said that the bills have been charged as per the value of the property and ranges from Rs 2000-20,000.
“I have received a bill which mentions a property tax of Rs 9000 against my name for2019-20. It was shock for me. I do not know how to react? I have been enquiring about it but to no avail,” a local said, adding that he has received bill two days after the last date of deposition.
While expressing their displeasure at the decision, the residents said such a move would only add to their miseries. “I am a laborer and have worked hard to buy this property. This is my property, why should I pay them tax. Until now no one asked us to pay tax. Why are they doing it now,” a local asked.
The locals lamented they are unable to fathom reasons behind the move as the board did not consult them prior to the decision. “The localities lack basic facilities including roads and drainage system. Our area gets submerged into water with a slight drizzle. We do not need their services”, they said.
Kumar said that the decision was taken to increase the revenue of the board and improve the basic facilities. “Since it is a deficient board, we are not having sufficient revenue. In absence of revenue and support from the Central Government, we have to generate own resource of the revenue,” he said. He added: “The locals are resenting because they do not have a habit of doing so. They didn’t pay water, electricity bills.”
Asked about whether they took people on board, he said: “We issued notifications on the newspaper and called for objection as well. Some objections were considered. Some people did not react to the notices,” he said.
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