The Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) has not increased any tax rate and the AMC Budget also did not propose any new tax.
However, the AMC has taken a significant step towards enhancing the property taxing system and ensuring transparency in tax collection.
Mayor Dipak Majumder said on Monday that the AMC has introduced Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to assess properties within the city.
Addressing a press conference at the corporation office, Mayor Majumder outlined the objectives of this technology integration. He explained, “In accordance with the recommendations of the Centre, the AMC is currently mapping all residential and commercial properties in the city using GIS technology.” This initiative aims to streamline the tax collection process, providing online access to tax details for each property in Agartala.
This development follows demands from the opposition CPI-M and its Left front for the corporation to postpone the imposition of property tax until a comprehensive property assessment is completed. Mayor Majumder emphasized that this GIS mapping of properties will enable a more efficient tax collection process.
Mayor Majumder expressed concerns about tax evasion, noting, “Approximately 70% of the population is not complying with property tax regulations, with only 30% consistently fulfilling their tax obligations.” In response, the AMC has decided to issue notices to non-compliant taxpayers, urging them to complete their tax payments by the fiscal year 2023-24. Originally, the deadline for payment was October 5, but following a request from Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, the AMC has extended the deadline by one month.
Mayor Majumder clarified, “The AMC has not increased taxes, and the corporation’s budget did not propose any tax hikes. Instead, our primary focus is on collecting taxes from individuals who have neglected their obligations.”
In addition to property tax enhancements, the AMC is taking measures to alleviate congestion in the city in preparation for the upcoming Durga Puja festival. Mayor Majumder revealed, “We will soon initiate an eviction drive against shopkeepers and food stall owners who have illegally occupied footpaths.” Furthermore, the AMC has imposed a new regulation prohibiting food stalls from remaining open after 11 PM in Agartala.
Mayor Majumder highlighted another concern related to illegal parking within No Parking Zones in the city, specifically between the Agartala Post Office Chowmuhni and Kaman Chowmuhni area. “We are dedicated to ensuring a congestion-free city environment following the Durga Puja festival. Shopkeepers who occupy footpaths illegally will face the cancellation of their trade and vendor licenses,” he added.
The implementation of GIS technology for property assessment and tax collection is a significant step forward for the Agartala Municipal Corporation in its pursuit of financial transparency and efficiency.