Mumbai: Tax relief for advertisers, none for the common man, say corporators

Photo for representational purpose

Corporators have complained that no relief is being given to the common man on their water taxes or property taxes but benefits are generously being given to advertisers over their hoarding and other fees.

The BMC has finally considered the plea of municipal market's gala holders who are also shopkeepers, and is giving them relief on outstanding monthly rents, or renewal of licence fees till January 31, 2021 without having to face any penalties.

Earlier, for the same purposes, if there was any delay a fine of 25 per cent to 100 per cent was levied on them. But, this time there was no penalty fee charged till December 31, 2020. However, owing to the SAP system of the municipal corporation being down for about 15 to 20 days during November and December, the BMC has given an extension to further pay the dues till January 31, without any penalty.

Ravi Raja, leader of opposition and Congress corporator, said, "The BMC has not been giving any levy to taxpayers but is blatantly giving contractors and advertisers discounts during the pandemic and it is only correct that the common people also get some benefit."