Toll Free number released for suggestions, simplification of tax
Jammu tourism, people’s income to get boost with new projects
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Mar 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said interests of the common people of Jammu and Kashmir are topmost priority of the Government and suggestions aimed at simplification of Property Tax etc will be considered as doors of the administration are open for dialogue.
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For the purpose, he said, a Toll Free number has also been released.
In a brief chat with media persons after inspecting various development works in Jammu City, Sinha, in response to a question on bandh in Jammu region on Property Tax, said interests of common man of Jammu and Kashmir are topmost priority of the administration.
“We have released a Toll Free number on which suggestions can be given by the people. Our doors are always open for dialogue. Suggestions aimed at simplification of tax and facilities to be given will be considered,”’ he said.
There is no scope for politicization of the issue, he added.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that Property Tax imposed in Jammu and Kashmir is one-tenth from the rates in Ambala, Shimla and Dehradun.
“People in rural areas don’t have to pay any tax. Forty percent population in City too won’t have to pay tax. Another 40 percent will have to pay maximum tax of Rs 1,000 per year. Similarly, in commercial installations totaling 1,01,700; nearly 40,000 will have to pay Rs 700 per annum and another 36,000 will be paying maximum Rs 2,000 annually,” Sinha said and pointed out that even a rehriwalla pays Rs 5000 every year to Municipalities.
Earlier, Sinha conducted on-site inspection of key projects here and said their completion would help in boosting tourism in the winter capital.
“There is satisfactory progress on these vital projects, which, on completion, will fulfil the aspirations of the people of Jammu. These projects will boost tourism in Jammu and the footfall of tourists from outside will increase the economic activities and income of people,” Sinha said.
Asked whether the temple will open around the commencement of the annual Amarnath yatra, he quipped, “I do not think there is a need to link the two. I was told that the temple will be set up by end of June.”
Sinha, however, refused to comment on agitation by some youth against hiring of Aptech agency for examination by Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board.
“I believe that if a case is under consideration (sub-judice) before a court, and even when a decision has been given into the matter only yesterday, discussing it or giving any comment regarding this will tantamount to interfering into the Court decision and such a thing is not allowed by the Constitution of India,” he said.
During the hours-long tour, Sinha reviewed ongoing construction of Jambu Zoo, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and Tawi riverfront project (artificial lake).
An official spokesman said the LG laid emphasis on timely completion of the three projects.
Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary in the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, briefed Sinha on the progress of Jambu Zoo, coming up in Nagrota area on the outskirts of the city.
“A high-level team of Central Zoo Authority will be visiting for the final inspection this month and the entire process will be completed within the stipulated time,” Gupta said.
During his visit to the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple site along Sidhra bypass, the LG interacted with the temple officials and asked them to start construction of a Gurukul and a health centre simultaneously.
Later, he inspected the Tawi riverfront project site, which envisages to reduce erosion and flooding and provide socio-cultural amenities for sustainable development of the city.
The Lieutenant Governor said the riverfront will ensure urban infrastructure sustainability.
“Once completed, the project will provide unique business opportunities and help in overall social upliftment. With social infrastructure and recreation facilities, Tawi riverfront will enhance the quality of life of the citizens,” he said.
Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner Rahul Yadav gave a detailed presentation on the ongoing projects.
Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary to the Government, Jal Shakti Department; Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and other senior officials accompanied the Lt Governor during his visits.
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