Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Feb 28: Members of the opposition and ruling parties engaged in heated discussions at the Mangaluru City Corporation's (MCC) general meeting on February 28, over the revision of the Self-Assessment System (SAS) tax based on the current guidance value of properties under the limits of MCC for the year 2022-23.

MCC council opposition leader Naveen D’Souza, raising the issue at the meeting, said, "Reviving property tax under the self-assessment scheme based on the current guidance value will burden the people of the city. The corporation should withhold this."

Adding to this, corporator Vinaraj alleged that the ruling authorities implemented property tax collection under the self-assessment scheme based on the current guidance value, without bringing it to the notice of the opposition or proper discussion in the council. He stated that this had put people in the city in hardship and that the ruling MCC administration has completely failed.

Corporator and chief whip of council Premananda Shetty said, "The issue has been brought to the notice of MLAs and authorities concerned. The ruling party will make severe efforts to uphold this and see that common people do not face the problem."

City corporation commissioner Chennabasappa K promised that he will into the matter. 

It may be recalled that the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) had issued a notice to the previous MCC commissioner Akshy Shridhar, questioning why proper action cannot be taken against him for not revising the property tax under the self-assessment scheme based on the current guidance value of properties and superseding the corporation.

Former commissioner Akshy Shridhar had also informed the government that council members did not approve the revised property tax and though it was tabled in the council meeting, it was differed by the council. He urged the government not to take any action against him, stating that he had done his duty sincerely.

MCC council opposition leader Naveen D’Souza also spoke about street vendors encroaching on footpaths in the city, stating that MCC had failed to take action against them. Although officials had visited the spot to vacate them, they were threatened and attacked by the street vendors. Furthermore, a group of street vendors entered MCC and threatened the officials, but no action was taken against them.

Corporator Vinayaraj said, "Those who threatened MCC officials should be charged with criminal offenses under IPC sections. Has a complaint been filed against those who have entered MCC and threatened MCC officials?"

Commissioner Chennabasappa said that he had spoken to ACP central and sought proper action. He also added that a complaint would be filed against them.

Mayor Jayananda Anchan, deputy mayor Poornima and others were present at the meeting.