Cash-strapped North MCD plans to charge telcos

The cash-strapped Corporation, which has claimed to have chalked out a comprehensive plan, aims to generate nearly Rs 5,000 crore additional revenue every year. It may be noted that the ailing Corporation is leaving no stone unturned to raise money to meet its day-to-day expenses, including salaries and pensions of its staff.

North MCD Mayor Ravinder Gupta said in order to increase its revenue, the civic body is planning to implement several schemes. 

“By imposing a usage charge on departments that lay optical wire networks beneath roads (under the Corporation’s jurisdiction), the Corporation can earn revenue of Rs 5,000 crore. Such types of projects are already being run in Pune, Bengaluru and Bhopal by the local civic bodies. He said by implementing such projects, the Corporation’s financial condition will improve,” the Mayor said.

Gupta said the Corporation would provide space for the installation of at least four ATM booths in all buildings that have space. This will not only help citizens get services at the <g data-gr-id="32">doorstep,</g> but also enable the Corporation earn around Rs 140 crore revenue every year. 

Two weeks ago, the Corporation had announced to implement the recommendations of the Third Municipal Valuation Committee to increase revenue collection by re-categorising properties.

Once implemented the Corporation’s revenue would go up by 10 to 15 <g data-gr-id="34">per cent</g> as property owners, involved in commercial activities, and traders coming in the Corporation area will have to pay more taxes as categories of commercial properties will be changed.

Despite the Delhi government’s advisory, putting a restraint on the collection of taxes from unauthorised colonies, the Corporation is gearing up for tax collection from such colonies. The agency had announced to conduct a survey for levying of <g data-gr-id="27">tax</g>.