In a move to woo voters ahead of Municipal Corporation elections scheduled for April 23, the Delhi Congress on Saturday proposed to exempt house tax on self-occupied properties and rented properties of senior citizens.
During an interaction with morning walkers at Lodhi Garden on Saturday, Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said that the revenue sources are yet to be tapped to the optimal level in order to make the Corporation self reliant.
Maken said: "House tax is being paid by almost nine percent Delhiites and the figures are not astronomical. We have prepared an action plan that will generate Rs 5,200 crore annually to the MCD's kitty even after exempting house tax.
"Delhi could be self-reliant if there is no corruption and pilferage of resources like revenue from toll tax, property tax, advertisement charges. We have the experience, willingness and plans to make the MCDs self-reliant".
Earlier, while unveiling the party's roadmap, Maken also stressed that the property tax collections in all three Municipal Corporations have remained unchanged for long. "According to Fourth Finance Commission Report, only one-third eligible properties come under the tax net. The collected Rs 1,600 crore as property tax is just 33 percent of the potential," he said.
"Both tax and non-tax revenue collection in Delhi is, unfortunately, far below par. Non-tax revenue through areas like advertising and parking can definitely be boosted and the draft proposes that as well.
Delhi is a flourishing city, per capita income is the highest, and Chandigarh is close, which means people have aspirations to live a life of dignity. And people will pay if they have faith that the money will be spent wisely," he said.
Maken, while explaining the concept of dedicated vending spaces, said: "It will be a win-win situation for both the vendors and for Corporation. Paying Rs 1,000 per month to the Corporation and getting a proper receipt will save the vendors from paying Rs 200-1,000 to the officials and also the Corporation would generate revenue of Rs 600 crore annually.
Paying Rs 1,000 per month to the Corporation and getting a proper receipt will save the vendors from paying Rs 200-1,000 to the officials and also the Corporation would generate revenue of Rs 600 crore annually.
Earlier, the party had released three roadmaps in which measures were suggested by its experts to make the financially ailing Corporation self reliant and to achieve its target to provide quality education and affordable health facilities to all. It also promised to make Delhi the "cleanest and most beautiful" city in the world. It also released a draft 'Clean Delhi, Breathe Delhi' to revive sanitation situation.
The draft plan was unveiled by former Finance Minister P Chidamabaram and Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia, as the party is eyeing a comeback in the civic elections.
The draft blueprint also envisages Rs 2,000 crore annual fund for development of infrastructure-deficit areas, particularly the unauthorised colonies. Chidambaram said unlike other big corporations, which generate more than 50 percent of the revenue from property tax collection, the MCD is doing just about 40 percent.