Srinagar, June 16: Jammu and Kashmir Government is understood to be under tremendous pressure from the Centre to impose property tax in the state.
The state Legislative Assembly in 2011 passed two Bills aimed at amending J&K Municipal Act 2000 and J&K Municipal Corporation Act 2000 and establishing a Property Tax Board in the state. However, following stiff opposition from stakeholders, including political parties and traders, the Upper House referred the bills to Joint Select Committee of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council.
Sources told Greater Kashmir that the Centre has asked the state government to expedite the process of building consensus over the property tax bill and get it cleared by the Joint Select Committee.
A senior official claimed that people were misinformed about the property tax issue and it was “blown out of proportion” to gain political mileage. “People all around the world pay property tax and it takes care of their civic needs and sanitation. People putting up within the municipal limits of the Srinagar and Jammu cities do pay the respective municipalities for keeping their environs clean,” he said.
He said the funds which the Government would collect as property tax would be used for the welfare of people and development of the state. As per the legislation which was passed by the state Assembly, 10 percent tax would be levied on all commercial properties and 4 percent on residential properties falling within the municipal limits of Srinagar and Jammu. However, land area up to 10 marlas and residential construction thereon are exempted from the tax. The commercial properties in Municipal Councils would be charged up to 7 percent while residential properties up to maximum of 3 percent. In areas falling under Municipal Committees only commercial properties would be taxed with maximum ceiling up to 3 percent. However, the government’s move had created a furor in the state leading to shelving of the proposal. The stakeholders accused the state government of pursuing anti-people and anti-Kashmir policies. They claimed that imposition of the property tax would cripple the economy.
Sources said the state government is yet to take any decision on the issue in view of the tourist season and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra. “No decision in this regard will be taken in haste as it has the potential of disturbing peace in the Valley,” said a ruling NC leader.
He said Bills passed by the Legislative Assembly vis-à-vis imposition of property tax and setting up of Property Tax Board would be first discussed with the people and if the consensus is reached then only these will be implemented. “Centre needs to understand that J&K is not like other states and certain concessions have to be granted to the people. Past two decades of turmoil have hit the people hard and they are not in a position to pay more and more taxes. The primary aim of the government is to uplift the economy once it is done then only taxes can be imposed,” he added. But he was quick to add that it was his personal opinion.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 16 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 17 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST