Opposition Congress to protest against property tax rate hike

Opposition Congress to protest against property tax rate hike

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, April 2: Opposition leader Lancelot Pinto said that Mayor Praveen had announced the revised property tax rates as per the self-assessment scheme (SAS) at a press conference held in his chamber on March 31, Thursday in the absence of opposition leaders. He was addressing reporters at a press meet held at Press Club on April 2, Saturday.

 

 

He further said that the BJP leaders have not bothered to discuss with the opposition leaders the issue of raising property tax rates by 15 – 30 percent for a period of 3 years, adding that the raised rates will be a huge burden for the public.

Commenting on the MCC’s solid waste management scheme, he said that it is a good initiative, but the fees charged on the basis of house area are exorbitant. The MCC had announced that owners of houses of 1000sq. ft. and below must pay Rs. 10, of 1000sq.ft. - 3000sq.ft. must pay Rs. 30, and over 3000sq.ft must pay Rs. 50 toward garbage cess, respectively. Just because people live in big houses does not mean that they produce more waste than those who live in smaller houses, he said, adding that the rates are therefore not fixed in a proper manner.

He said that the opposition will protest against the increased tax rates as per SAS.

Opposition leaders Shashidhar Hegde, Harinath, Nagendra Kumar, and Ashraf were also present.