Gurgaon: Low turnout for MCG tax collection camp in Suncity

In a bid to encourage residents of societies and condominiums to pay property tax easily, the Suncity Township, Sector 54, residents’ welfare associations (RWA) organised a tax collection camp at their community centre with the help of MCG officials on Sunday.

In a bid to encourage residents of societies and condominiums to pay property tax easily, the Suncity Township, Sector 54, residents’ welfare associations (RWA) organised a tax collection camp at their community centre with the help of MCG officials on Sunday.

Residents of private townships and societies have refused to pay the tax bills issued by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) saying they will only pay for the current year (2016-17) after the civic body took over the maintenance of their residential areas. (HT File)

Though more than 2,000 residents were expected, only 250 people paid the tax.

Residents of private townships and societies have refused to pay the tax bills issued by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) saying they will only pay for the current year (2016-17) after the civic body took over the maintenance of their residential areas.

RWAs have approached the court and several residents have written to the MCG commissioner as a mark of protest.

An umbrella body of RWAs, Gurgaon Citizens Council (GCC), has filed a petition in the high court saying the MCG should first provide basic amenities to residents and then ask for the tax.

“The MCG has not taken over yet and the problems are as it is. Asking to pay tax is not fair, and most of the residents have not paid. They will only pay for 2017. If the corporation receives the entire sum, they will not start the work,” RS Rathee, president, GCC, said.

The MCG collected ₹25 lakh from the one-day camp and plans to hold more such camps across the city, an official said.

“The case is in the court and those who have paid will get their refund if we win the case. Many residents have paid their pending property tax since 2008 while many others have just paid for the current year,” Kuldeep Rana, president Suncity Township, said.

“Why should we pay the tax and for what? We are not provided with the basic facilities in our area and we have to run from pillar to post for our small issues,” said Renuka Singh a resident of Suncity Township.

Residents alleged that their area is still under the control of the private builder who charges the maintenance fee for all services delivered.

The MCG has launched a rebate scheme for all property owners, and the state government has offered a 25% refund and a one-time interest waiver on tax dues and arrears until the end of the current financial year. The scheme is valid till February 28.

“We organised the camp to ensure that our residents are not declared defaulters. Of 1,300 apartments, only 850 are occupied and 200 apartment owners had already paid the property tax. Out of the remaining 650 apartments, 250 people paid on Sunday,” VMK Singh, general secretary Suncity Township, said.

TN Kaul of Ardee City said, “ We are not refusing to pay tax but the corporation’s demand should be justified.”

The MCG said notices are being issued to all property owners who have not paid their taxes till now.

“The funds generated from tax collection will be used across the city to ensure a better living standard for the residents. We will take strict action against those who do not pay the tax, and will seal and attach moveable and immovable properties of defaulters,” YS Gupta, joint commissioner, MCG, said.