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Chandigarh Industrialists faces 20% spike in property tax bills

The nationwide lockdown led to major financial losses for every employment sector. Chandigarh Industrialists faces 20% spike in property tax bills during the Unlock 1.0.

Consequently, industrialists have devastating effects due to the inflation in property tax bills. It has been hard for the industrialists to cater to their businesses in such a condition of economic depression.

The industrialists in Chandigarh reported that the Municipal Corporation has been publishing farfetched property tax bills. In Industrial Area Phase 1, an industrialist has received an SMS stating a colossal property tax bill of ₹11.99 Lakh and was asked to deposit the said amount till July 31.

During this financial downfall, the second innings association is requesting the administration to restore the tax bills which were applicable in 2019-2020.

The Unexpected Inflation in Tax Bills

According to Naveen Manglani, president of Chamber of Chandigarh Industries, several industries were receiving almost 4-5 times property tax bills. It also included unreal arrears and interests.

He also stated that it would be hard for anyone to accept a bill reaching in lakhs during such a period of economic depression. Moreover, for the past two years, there have been errors in the bills being sent to the industrial units. The industrialists have been visiting the Municipal Corporation offices for the rectification of the bills.

As there has been an inflation of 20 percent in the property tax bills, it has been a major concern. Earlier there has been an assurance by the administration for a waiver in property tax bills for the lockdown period at least. However, the industrialists never got any of the promised reliefs.

He further stated that the E-sampark centers have been charging collection fees levied on payment of electricity and water supply bills. It is a totally unjust as there are no such charges.

Thus, Municipal Corporation officials are receiving complaints relating to the inflation in the tax bills. They are considering rectifying any kind of unjust acts for the same.

As per the Second Innings Association, the property taxes have been updated in March this year. The residential properties have got a revision of 25 percent or more. Besides the Municipal Corporation records has no update for two years.

Also, there are people receiving notices for arrears even though they already have paid the tax having valid receipts.

The industrialists are facing a high time in payment of the taxes and need some relief from the administration. UT administration is considering the problems of the industrial units.

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Photo: Internet

Mansi Ghai