Ever wondered how our city gets those nice roads, parks, and services? Well, a big part of it comes from property taxes, or "holding tax" as the generic name goes. Unfortunately, it seems quite a few folks, big and small, have been a bit lax in paying up. But guess what? The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is on the case and cracking down on the defaulters
You won't believe the numbers – we're talking crores of rupees in unpaid taxes. It includes small GA property owners, big institutions, even government ones like IDCO, are among the defaulters. IDCO alone owes a whopping ₹59 crore. Then there are private schools, businesses, you name it. It's a real mix. Imagine if everyone decided not to pay – our city wouldn't be able have the basic amenities and other facilities
So, what's the BMC doing about it? They're not playing around anymore. They've formed a dedicated task force and team and go door-to-door and collect those dues. They're not just sending reminders; they're taking action. Just recently, they sealed two banks in the Patia area for not paying up despite repeated notices. They've also sealed a marble shop. By this action they are sending a clear message to the defaulters
The BMC is aiming to collect ₹300 crore in holding tax this year. They've already collected ₹120 crore, but they've still got a long way to go. They're not just focusing on the big defaulters rather everyone is on their radar those who have not paid.
Now, you might be thinking, "Why should I care?" Well, think about it. When people don't pay their taxes, it's the whole city that suffers. Less money means fewer parks, poorer roads, and less efficient services. Nobody wants that, right? Paying your taxes is like doing your part to keep Bhubaneswar beautiful and running smoothly.
Thus anyone you know who's been putting off paying their dues, give them a nudge. Let's all work together to make Bhubaneswar a better place. And to those who have been paying on time, a big thank you from the city. Let's hope this crackdown brings in the much-needed funds and makes our city even better. After all, it's our city, and we all have a stake in its well-being.
