Decision On Proposed Hike In Property Tax In Aurangabad Delayed Further

It was in 2016 that the Aurangabad Municipal Corporation had proposed an increase in the property tax. A hike of 20-25 per cent across commercial as well as residential properties, after the rates remained unchanged in the previous fiscal (2015-16). To revise the same Mayor Bapu Ghadamode has said that he would soon call a special general body meeting to decide on the proposed property tax hike. Though it was last week that a general body meeting was held by the civic body but no discussion was held on this matter.

The proposal seeks a hike of Rs 0.25 to Rs 2.75 per square metre for the residential category, while for the non-residential category, an increase from Rs 0.5 to Rs 5.5 per square metre is proposed. On the other hand, for commercial properties, a hike from the current Rs 2.5 to Rs 7 per square meter is proposed. 

This hike in property tax is expected to allow the city to raise further funds it needs to create world class infrastructure and amenities for the Union government's smart city scheme. Aurangabad is one of the cities listed under the 100 Smart Cities Mission.

But, this proposal might witness rejection as the corporators belonging to ruling Shiv Sena have shown a strong opposition to it. They are of the view that the hike would put a burden on the honest tax payers and might even give rise to the cases of tax evasion. It is suggested that the authorities should rather track those who evaded tax for years. "On the contrary, the municipal body should assess new properties and bring it under the tax net," said Ayub Jagirdar - opposition leader in the civic body in a report by The Economic Times.