Sir,

This refers to the news item mentioning that MCC will take severe action including attachment of property, if property tax is not paid immediately (SOM dated Aug.14). It is really commendable that MCC has decided to toughen its stand against defaulters after decades of laxity and poor enforcement.

Generally, tax payment consumes quite a while, making it necessary for the payer to spend considerable time in close contact with staff and other people. Especially as tax collection has been partially computerised this time, it involves more than one visit to the MCC Office.

Also it is quite well-known that majority of those who come to the office are senior citizens, the most vulnerable segment of population in Covid-19 pandemic. As it is really important for MCC to collect this huge revenue, some alternate methods need to be introduced at least for this year.

MCC officials can go door- to-door and collect the same amount as last year or some closer round amount now, sparing the senior citizens this avoidable risk of exposure to Covid-19. Of course, after all the due computing, the difference in amount can be adjusted against or with the next year’s tax payment.

– Dr. M.G. Srinath, Saraswathipuram, 15.8.2020

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