Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 26: A protest demonstration was held by people of Bahu Fort, Jammu, under the leadership of Sham Lal Basson, Corporator of Ward number – 48, Bahu Fort, Jammu, against imposition of Property Tax in Jammu and Kashmir.
They were also protesting against Govt Order number 156 JK (SWD) of 2022 according to which new rules under Integrated Social Security Scheme have been framed wherein for the purpose of availing financial assistance/pension, PHH/AAY (BPL) ration cards have been made mandatory.
The protesting people assembled opposite main gate of Bagh-e-Bahu Bahu Fort Jammu and shouted slogans against the LG Administration. They appealed Lt Governor Manoj Sinha to immediately withdraw both the controversial orders.
While speaking on this occasion, Sham Lal Basson said that large scale protests are being organised by Chamber of Commerce and Industries Jammu, Bar Association, Bazar Associations and almost all political parties have shown resentment against Property Tax on both residential and commercial property. “Mayor JMC Rajinder Sharma has said that the Administrative Council has superseded the powers of elected body of JMC and has imposed Property Tax however, no such resolution was introduced in any of the General House Meeting,” said Mr Basson and added that the Mayor has failed to call Special General House Meeting despite promise for the same.
Sham Lal Basson also condemned the statement of LG Manoj Sinha that people of JKUT can purchase I-Phone and can play games but don’t ready to pay taxes. “It is very difficult for the poor families of JK UT to make both ends meet now days because prices of all commodities have gone high. LG has played with the sentiments of poor family of JKUT,’ he added.
Also resenting the Govt Order number 156 JK (SWD) of 2022, the protesting people explained that more than 90 percent beneficiaries are holders of NPHH ration cards and they will be debarred from these benefits. Fresh potential applicants will not be able to apply for availing benefits under OAP/Widow pension scheme, they said and appealed LG to withdraw both the controversial orders.
Those who joined protest demonstration, included Bahadur Lal, Bishan Dass, Rattan Lal, Sham Kalsi, Tara Chand, Raj Kumar Gupta, Padha, Ramesh Chander Mehra, Tej Ram Kalsi, Isher Dass, Geeta Devi, Veero Devi, Darshna Devi, Hans Raj, Chand Gupta, Surinder Bangotra, Jeet Kumar, Krishan Lal, Garu Ram, Ghulami Ram and others.
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