PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Ramnagar
A fresh administrative dispute has surfaced involving the Ramnagar municipal board and the Ramnagar forest division over pending property tax dues. The municipal board has issued a strict notice to the forest division, directing it to deposit a total amount of Rs 9,76,138 as building/property tax for the period from 1991-92 to 2025-26. The notice also warns that if the payment is not made within the stipulated time, the amount will be recovered in the form of land revenue.
As per the notice issued by the municipal board, an earlier letter dated April 26, 2024, had also directed the forest division to deposit Rs 7, 75,643 within 15 days. However, the payment is yet to be made, affecting the civic body’s revenue collection, the notice added.
The latest notice provides a detailed breakup of the dues. It states that the original property tax from 1991-92 to 2024-25 amounts to Rs 7,96,264, with an additional 20 per cent increase of Rs 1,59,253, along with Rs 20,621 for the financial year 2025-26, taking the total payable amount to Rs 9,76,138.
The municipal executive officer, Alok Uniyal said that residential buildings of the forest department located within the municipal limits are liable to pay property tax under the Municipal Act. He stated that the matter had earlier been referred to the government for clarification, following which directions had been received authorising the municipal board to levy property tax on residential quarters occupied by the forest department officials and employees.
He further said that a complete assessment had been done and demand notices were issued accordingly. “No response has yet been received from the Ramnagar forest division regarding the notice,” he said, adding that they would follow up on the matter so that the pending dues are recovered and utilised for developmental works in the town. He also made it clear that if the dues are not cleared, recovery proceedings similar to land revenue collection will be initiated.
Meanwhile, the Ramnagar divisional forest officer, Dhruv Martolia stated that further action would be taken strictly in accordance with departmental rules and government directives.
