Odisha BJP Demands Return of Hiked Holding Tax By BMC

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha unit of BJP has demanded the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to return the enhanced holding tax collected from the people of Odisha capital with interest.

Speaking to media persons in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, state general secretary of the BJP Prithviraj Harichandan said the order of the Orissa High Court in this regard has brought a major relief to the people of the city. Earlier in the day, the High Court, in its final verdict on a case filed against the BMC, had set aside the order.

Harichandan said before collection of the increased holding tax, the BMC did not follow the due administrative process. As per the Municipality Act, the BMC should form an assessment committee comprising 3-6 members headed by a former judge. The committee would make a thorough analysis of the municipality’s proposal and submit its report.

The committee’s recommendation is sent to finance and taxation committee of the BMC for consideration. Then BMC takes a decision on the proposal at its council meeting. “But the BMC did not follow any of these procedures and collected the hiked holding tax,” Harichandan said.

Despite a strong opposition by BJP against the increase in the tax, the government went ahead with its proposal imposing a heavy burden on the people, he said adding that the High Court order has come as a slap for the BMC.

He demanded that the BMC must return the increased holding tax collected from the people with interest and take action against the officials responsible for this. If the government fails to heed the demand, the BJP would again resort to agitation in the state capital, he threatened.

Also Read: BMC’s Enhanced Holding Tax For Bhubaneswar Set Aside By Orissa HC