Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has cleared INR 33.62 crore of long-pending property tax arrears identified as uncollectable after a detailed review. The total backlog of pending dues exceeded INR 80 crore, affected by outdated records, demolished or redeveloped properties, over-assessments, and duplicate entries. Officials conducted field inspections before canceling 4,337 cases. This move aims to streamline tax records, focus on genuine liabilities, and enhance revenue collection efficiency, which has previously been hampered by low compliance and administrative challenges. The exercise is part of GMC's ongoing efforts to strengthen civic finances.
Guntur Municipal Corporation has cleared INR 33.62 crore of old property tax arrears that were identified as uncollectable after a detailed verification process by officials. These arrears were part of a larger pending amount exceeding INR 80 crore, reflecting longstanding challenges in maintaining accurate property tax records. Property tax forms a significant part of the corporation's revenue, which targets around INR 300 crore annually, but collections have often fallen below expectations due to outdated data and compliance gaps. Advertisement
The backlog included multiple issues such as demolished or redeveloped properties still listed in the records, over-assessed properties, duplicate entries, and properties that no longer exist in their recorded form. Vacant plots, old houses replaced by new structures without proper updates, and locked or vacated properties were also part of the pending arrears. Officials examined each case carefully before deciding to cancel the dues.
GMC officials, including deputy commissioners and ward administrative staff, conducted field inspections across all wards. They reviewed thousands of cases to ensure the cancellation was accurate and justified. Following these inspections, the corporation council approved the removal of 4,337 cases from pending tax records. Officials highlighted that the move is aimed at focusing resources on recoverable taxes and improving overall revenue collection efficiency.
While there were questions about whether the review process was entirely impartial, GMC clarified that the cancellation targeted genuinely uncollectable dues and any irregularities discovered during the process would be addressed separately. This step also allows the corporation to better plan for future collections and target defaulters more effectively.
The decision fits within broader initiatives by GMC to modernize revenue processes and increase compliance. The corporation has taken additional measures recently, such as recovery actions against defaulters, updating property assessments, and holding officers accountable for collection targets. By cleaning up its records and concentrating on legitimate dues, GMC aims to strengthen its financial position and ensure more accurate reporting of civic revenue streams.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
