BMC's early bird scheme Fails to evoke positive result

Mumbai: Despite property tax arrears of crore of rupees still pending, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s early bird scheme of offering rebate on bills has failed to evoke encouraging results.  

According to the civic officials, the BMC issues two bills of property tax – one for the April-September period and the second for the October-March period.

Under the ‘Early Bird Scheme,’ the scheme offers a two percent rebate on bill for those who pay half-yearly tax amount (April to September) by June 30 instead of the July 31 deadline. It also provides a four percent rebate for those who pay the next six month’s bill (October to March) by the same time.

Citizens can also avail 3 per cent rebate on an average if they pay both the bills before July 31. But if only one instalment is paid by July 31, then taxpayers will get 1 per cent rebate on an average. Only those who do not have any outstanding amount against their names are eligible for rebate under this scheme, said a senior civic official from the assessment and collection department. 

Civic officials said, while the response to the scheme is somewhat slow, it is increasing gradually. In last three years 53,852; 75,651 and 89,000 people have taken benefit of the scheme as the BMC has collected Rs 273 crore (14-15), Rs 439 crore (15-16) and Rs 1000 crore (16-17).

“The purpose of this scheme is to reward citizens who have been paying their taxes on time”said Devidas Kshirsagar, assistant municipal commissioner (assessment and collection).In last three years; 53,852, 75,651 and 89,000 people have taken benefit of the scheme