The newly appointed Civic Chief of Nagpur Tukaram Mundhe famous for his upright actions turned down the One Time Settlement (OTS) to defaulters of property tax. He stated that since Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act has left it to discretion of Commissioner, there is no point in granting any concession. Mayor Sandip Joshi conducted a meeting with Municipal Commissioner and senior corporators, group leaders of House. During the meeting Commissioner said that the former experience of OTS is not very satisfactory and already finances of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) are in doldrums.
On property tax, the issue again flared-up leading to signs of emerging confrontation between ruling party and Municipal Commissioner. BJP is seeking concession to encourage defaulters to pay-up. In fact Mahendra Dhanvijay, Chairperson, Tax Committee, demanded OTS to drive up recovery.Mundhe however said as per provisions of MMC Act, civic body can recover dues of past six years only. He said that he has already made-up my mind and ruled out any compromise on the same. Penalty is imposed owing to default on part of the property owner so the question of its waiver does not arise. The provision is meant to ensure that citizens should pay their taxes regularly.
Pravin Datke, senior corporator of BJP had raised the issue in general body meeting regarding errors in water bills and property tax demand. While Shweta Banerjee, Executive Engineer, Water Works, said department has issued bills only after cross verification.Tanaji Wanve, Leader of Opposition, alleged that inflated bills were issued to slum dwellers in Nandanvan slum though their water meters are not in operations since last few months. The slum-dwellers are issued bills of Rs one to two lakh and sought to know the reason for such huge bills. Mayor however said a meeting will be held at end of month to find a way out.