Residents’ group to defy MCG tax notice

A residents’ group that represents people living in private colonies has asked flat owners not to pay house tax to the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG).

A residents’ group that represents people living in private colonies has asked flat owners not to pay house tax to the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG). The Gurgaon Citizens’ Council (GCC) has appealed to the residents to approach the council, if they fear any action from the civic agency for defying its notice.

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GCC representatives said that a senior MCG official on December 5 had assured them that no more bills will be sent.

According to the residents, the MCG cannot levy house tax because it is yet to take over the maintenance of their colonies from private developers.

“The MCG could not take the maintenance responsibility because not a single developer has obtained a completion certificate. Each locality lacks basic amenities and the transfer may lead to an additional financial burden on the MCG as admitted in the Supreme Court,” said a GCC member. On December 3, the apex court had ordered the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) to provide basic services in private colonies and directed the Haryana government to begin the process of handing over the maintenance to MCG.

Several colonies, including Sun City, Ambience Group Housing, Rose Wood City, Green Wood City, Malibu Towne, South City 1 & 2, Sushant Lok 1, 2 & 3, Palam Vihar DLF, Vatika City, and Ardee City, have opposed the house tax and moved court. These areas roughly accommodate 66,500 houses and more than 9 lakh residents.

MCG commissioner Vijay Singh Dahiya said he will discuss the issue with the residents. “I will hold a meeting in this regard. Until I understand the court order and the house tax issues in detail, I would not comment,” he said.