Mangaluru, February 13: The property tax hike which was brought to effect by the administrator was assured to be reduced to previous level by the congress led current municipal administration.
But, it has caused disappointment as a notice is forwarded to Mangaluru Municipal Corporation after getting notice from urban development department stating that the resolution passed by it to reduce property tax has been withheld, and calling for reasons why the same should not be treated as cancelled.
Mahabala Marla,mayor of the city, has confirmed about the arrival of such a notice and said that the notice clearly states that if a reply is not received within 25 days, the department will treat the decision to bring down property tax as withdrawn.
The Congress leaders, during the elections had assured that property tax rates will not be allowed to be hiked. The leaders knew well then that it was impossible, as it is mandatory for the corporation to hike property tax periodically once in three years, by at least 15% as per the provision of law.Both B A Mohiuddin Bava and J R Lobo, who were elected as MLAs after promising not to hike property tax, had signed the procedures of property tax hike when the corporation was under the administrator.
Now, it is almost sure that the hiked property tax rates will remain at that level, and those who have not yet paid the taxes, may have to pay the dues along with penalty, if the payment of property tax is delayed.
