PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) decided on to reimpose property tax on residents living in more than 131 slum settlements within the city limits, a move expected to impact nearly two lakh people. To facilitate implementation of the decision, the municipal corporation will organise special camps across all slum areas to inform residents about the decision and assist with the tax collection process, officials said.
The MCD had earlier stopped collecting property tax from slum settlements due to administrative reasons. However, the decision has now been reversed to strengthen the corporation’s revenue base and improve its finances. Dehradun municipal commissioner Namami Bansal clarified that the payment of property tax will not be linked to land ownership or legal rights. Bansal said that the tax receipts will clearly state that property tax payment does not grant any ownership or occupancy rights, addressing concerns among residents regarding land titles.
Bansal said that the process will be transparent and people-friendly. Through the camps, residents will be informed about tax rates, payment procedures and related guidelines to ensure awareness before collection begins.
Experts have termed the move a step towards expanding the municipal tax base and integrating slum settlements into the city’s civic framework, while stressing the need for sensitive communication with economically weaker sections. It is pertinent to mention here that the slum settlements have been a long pending issue affecting the residents, the environment and urban planning of the city. Attempts by authorities to rehabilitate the slum dwellers have been contradicted by steps taken by the political establishment to ensure the existence of slums in the city.
