‘Let BMC have say in fixing ready reckoner rates’

Even as the civic body finalises a new property tax system based on the capital value of property, corporators have demanded the government let the corporation have a say while fixing ready reckoner rates of all properties.

Even as the civic body finalises a new property tax system based on the capital value of property, corporators have demanded the government let the corporation have a say while fixing ready reckoner rates of all properties.

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Corporators believe that as the new property tax system is based on the ready reckoner values, a chunk of the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) income depends on fluctuations in those rates.

Spearheading the demand, BJP corporator Ashish Shelar said, “It’s unfair that the state decides on ready reckoner rates arbitrarily, without even consulting the BMC. Hence, even if they want to take the final call on these rates, the BMC should at least have a say in it, even if that means merely providing suggestions or objections.”

The new property tax system involves calculating the base value of the flat by taking into account the cost of the property, as provided in the ready reckoner.

NCP group leader Niyaz Vanu said: “As almost 15% of the BMC’s income, from the new property tax system, will depend on the ready reckoner rates, it’s fair that any change in these rates is first passed through us.”

A senior Sena corporator said it was unlikely that the state would concede.

“The Congress government is not in the mood to concede even an inch to the Sena-BJP ruled civic body.”

VD Pandhere, BMC chief assessor and collector, said: “We are still finalising the new tax system and hence, it won’t be an appropriate time to comment on it.”