MCC asked to map all properties, issue e-Khatas to boost tax collection

Mysuru: Urban Development and Mysuru District in-Charge Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah has directed the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to actively encourage citizens to register Khatas (property records) and strengthen the ongoing e-Khata issuance campaign.

Dr. Yathindra noted that several commercial establishments had failed to pay Property Tax since 2011. He directed officials to issue notices to establishments that had defaulted for two years and initiate legal action   as per the rules.

Chairing a progress review meeting at the MCC Office yesterday, the Minister stressed the need to digitally map all properties under the Corporation to ensure accurate assessment and collection of Property Tax. He also directed officials to regularly revise rents for Municipal markets and commercial complexes to enhance civic revenue.

Designated market places

The Minister also instructed officials to identify designated market spaces and relocate shops operating on pedestrian pathways. Vendors selling vegetables, fruits and other small goods should be provided with proper spaces, he said.

Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah suggested holding discussions with MLAs of the respective Constituencies to identify suitable areas for commercial complexes, food streets and markets.

Dr. Yathindra reviewed the progress of various schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi Nagara Vikas Yojana (MGNVY), Chief Minister’s Basic Development Plan, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 and projects mandated by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Lease and rental discrepancies

During the meeting, Narasimharaja MLA Tanveer Sait raised concerns over rent collection from Municipal markets and commercial complexes, pointing out discrepancies between the original lease agreements and the current occupants. He also criticised the lack of planning for new markets and commercial complexes.

The meeting also discussed donated lands on which schools and colleges are functioning without Khatas.

Responding to the issue, MCC Administrator and Regional Commissioner Nitesh Patil said, if a Government school had been functioning continuously for 12 years on donated land, it would be considered Government property.

Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda highlighted the growing parking problem in the city and urged the authorities to establish multi-level parking facilities in every layout.

Chamaraja MLA K. Harishgowda raised the issue of small households receiving water bills running into lakhs of rupees, which they are unable to pay, and sought a solution.

The meeting was attended by Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa, MLCs Dr. D. Thimmaiah, K. Vivekananda and Raghu Kautilya, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha and senior officials.