In a desperate attempt to replenish its dwindling funds, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC), for the first time, announced a 10% rebate for citizens who pay their advance property tax for the current financial year between June 1 and 30. The cash-strapped civic body is in further crisis due to the Covid-19 lockdown with several of its projects getting stalled.
VMC officials say that Tuesday’s announcement will encourage many residents to pay their property tax on time. Speaking to The Indian Express, Deputy Municipal Commissioner SK Patel said, “The rebate is an immediate relief. It is valid only for the current financial year for those who have no pending dues. Anyone who has cleared past dues or is willing to clear them along with the penalties will also be eligible for this rebate for the current year. The rebate will be calculated on the spot for physical payments in ward offices and by our online payment deals as well so that the citizens pay 10% less to begin with.”
Patel said the move is to benefit both the VMC and the citizens. “We are planning to make use of social media and newspapers to ensure that the message about the rebate reaches the people. Property tax is one of our biggest incomes,” Patel said, stating that in the last financial year 2019-20, the VMC earned Rs 454 crore against the estimated Rs 474 crore through property tax collections.
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