Lok Satta opposes property tax hike

The Lok Satta Party today took serious exception to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation proposal to raise property tax by 30 percent.

In a media statement, party leader Katari Srinivasa Rao pointed out that there is no point in the corporation raising the property tax further when it has not been able to render service for the tax it is already collecting. The breakdown of all kinds of services like roads, drainage, drinking water, and sanitation witnessed in the last few days following a heavy spell of rain testifies to the quality of corporation services to taxpayers.

The Lok Satta leader said the corporation could save huge amounts if it arrested misappropriations in maintenance and development expenditure, and earn huge revenue if it brought all commercial and residential properties under the tax net.

Mr. Katari Srinivasa Rao demanded that the corporation devolve its powers, responsibilities and resources on democratically elected ward committees and ensure that the citizen’s charter is implemented.