Property tax not revised in Karnataka, development is affected

BELAGAVI: Despite proposing revision in property tax for the past six years, the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has not been able to make the change owing to objections from councilors who claim the move would affect poor families. The inability to revise property tax might take a toll on the special packages allowed to BCC from the state government.

Development works in the corporation limits are lagging due to lack of sufficient funds from state and central governments. According to sources, the state government is reluctant to grant special packages under the Smart City project due to the same reasons.

In a recent meeting, councillors objected to the proposal of increasing property tax, citing economic burden on taxpayers. But BCC officials maintain that a 15% hike in tax would not have adverse effect on people. According to the sources, councillors also believe that a revision of tax will affect their votebank.

Mayor Sarita Patil said a special meeting on this issue will be held shortly to take an appropriate decision. However, councillor Ramesh Sontakki said that it is impossible to arrive at a decision by holding meetings with officers. "Decision on this issue should be taken after discussion in the presence of councillors," he said.

Balakrishna Patil, a resident, said revising property tax is likely to affect only those who have more property. "The BCC should also give importance to collecting the property tax from every property holder, which is not happening right now," he said.