Hyderabad RWAs to gather 1 lakh letters for uniform property tax

In an earnest endeavour to rectify the prevailing disparities in property tax assessments across Hyderabad, representatives of residents' welfare associations (RWAs) in developing areas have embarked on a compelling campaign. With utmost resolve, they seek to rally an impressive 1 lakh memoranda, emphatically urging the implementation of a uniform property tax assessment system throughout the city. The campaign gains momentum from the stark disparity in property tax burdens between peripheral areas falling outside the jurisdiction of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and those within its purview.

During a significant meeting, representatives from diverse RWAs joined forces, intending to present these memoranda to the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Minister, KT Rama Rao. The resolute resolve of approximately 750 gated communities, including Tellapur, Manikonda, Bandlaguda Jagir, Kokapet, Ameenpur, and Khajaguda, resonated strongly. At the crux of their demand is the urgent need for a standardized property tax assessment model based on the annual rental value (ARV) system, encompassing the entire city of Hyderabad. While the GHMC adheres to this fair system, which computes property tax based on a fixed annual rental value, other urban local bodies (ULBs) deviate from this approach, resulting in a sense of imbalance. The persistent disparities in property tax assessments have become a matter of deep concern for RWAs.

Sitaram Dhulipala, President of the Manikonda RWA, expressed how they continually face challenges, burdened by property taxes that greatly exceed what their counterparts within GHMC limits pay. This disparity arises due to our tax calculations being based on the capital value (CV) instead of the more equitable ARV system. Furthermore, there is a lack of uniformity in CV assessments across various ULBs. Under this system, ULBs use the market value of a property to determine property tax, resulting in inconsistencies due to variations in market values determined by the stamp duty department. The RWAs also brought attention to the discrepancies in collecting unit value charges, emphasizing the need for the government to mandate a fixed cost of Rs 1,100 and also standardize the process. Some ULBs charge more or less than the specified amount, contributing to further inequities.

TeNA president Ramana Eshwargiri noted property tax disparities within neighbourhoods, despite similar plinth areas. In addition to addressing property tax assessments, the RWAs pledged to enhance voter registration through extensive campaigns. They recognized the crucial role of civic participation in fostering a more equitable society. Concerned about the preservation of valuable ecological resources, the RWAs resolved to exert pressure on the revenue department to conduct meticulous surveys of lakes in the region and determine their Full Tank Level (FTL) areas accurately.

These RWAs' collective determination and strategic vision extend far beyond their immediate communities. Their tireless efforts to rectify systemic imbalances and advocate for fair property tax assessments amplify the voices of countless individuals affected by these disparities. By fostering unity and pursuing equitable solutions, they embody the essence of civic engagement and community empowerment, propelling Hyderabad towards a future characterized by justice, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

Next (Experion Developers acquires three plots in Delhi-NCR for Rs 1,100 crore)

Hyderabad RWAs to gather 1 lakh letters for uniform property tax

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