MillenniumPost
Delhi

Now unique identity codes for properties, say MCDs

After much delay, all three civic bodies are going to introduce Unique Property Identification Code (UPIC), under which all properties will be allotted a special number. The creation of such data will enhance its property tax collection.

According to section 125 of the DMC Act 1957, it is mandatory for civic authorities to assign UPIC to properties. However, in all these years, it had remarkably failed to implement the act. But owing to decreasing number of property tax payers, the corporations have finally woken up.
UPIC will be issued on the spot after conducting a survey of the property. The corporation will appoint a private agency to conduct a door-to-door survey of all the properties in their respective jurisdiction. The appointed agency will take photographs of the property, owner and gather all information relevant for municipal purposes.

The UPIC will also help identify the total number of properties that come under tax net and hence defaulters will be traced easily. According to official estimates, only 25-30 per cent of people pay property tax. There are around 40 lakh properties in Delhi, which are entitled to tax. However, the MCDs have only received tax from approximately 10 lakh establishments.

The UPIC, civic officials say, will be mandatory for all property owners. ‘As it is mandatory for income tax payer to obtain PAN number, similarly, there is an imminent need to make it compulsory for property owners to obtain UPIC for properties and quote it for payment of any tax or dues related to the property’, said YS Mann, spokesperson for North and East Municipal Corporation Department.

Manish Gupta, commissioner of South MCD also informed that a special camp will be set up in each ward for residents who need to make any corrections in their UPIC card. ‘The correction will be later reviewed by the Assessor and Collector and implemented effectively’, said Gupta.
Along with UPIC cards, a Property Tax Passbook will also be issued to the owners which shall have records related to all taxes paid by the property owner in a single document.

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