BMC To Snap Power And Water Supply Of Holding Tax Defaulters

Bhubaneswar: Taking cognizance of non-payment of pending holding taxes, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to go tough on such habitual defaulters. The civic body has decided to disconnect water and electricity supply of the defaulters who are yet to respond to notices shot to them to clear the pending holding taxes.

In a letter to CESU executive engineer and WATCO general manager, BMC has submitted the list of habitual defaulters who have not cleared their holding taxes despite repeated notices. The disconnection drive is all set to be undertaken from today (March 14).

“Electricity and water connection of these habitual defaulters are to be disconnected for their defiance to pay holding taxes and ensure their early payment,” the BMC letter read.

Also Read: CESU Puts Power Disconnection Drive On Hold; 10-Day Relaxation For Defaulters To Clear Dues

As per sources, BMC has identified nearly 18 such defaulters in Bhubaneswar north zone who haven't cleared their pending holding taxes. An amount to the tune of Rs 1.83 crore is pending against the 18 defaulters which includes individuals, college and commercial establishments, sources said.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation had set a target to collect a revenue of Rs 60 crore from holding taxes.

The civic body also signed an agreement in February with TG Swikruti Self Help Group (SHG) to rope in transgenders to recover holding tax and trade licence fee in the Capital city.

The TG Swikruti members have been given a target to recover Rs 11 crore as pending holding tax. A three-month training was also provided to the members of the Self Help Group.

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Of the total 114 urban bodies, BMC is the largest collector of holding tax. In 2019-20 financial year, BMC had earned a revenue of Rs 60 crore from holding tax collections and it had collected Rs 16 crore by the end of January this year.