New Delhi: Though the Municipal Commissioner
has proposed tax rate hikes and new taxes in the civic body`s
budget 2010-11 today, the ruling BJP in MCD does not appear to
be keen on giving a nod to the same.
In fact, Mayor Kanwar Sain said the decision on tax
proposals will be taken only after discussions within the
party while making it clear that there is no chance of the
proposed "professional tax" being levied on citizens.
A new `professional tax` for those having an income of
more than Rs 30,000 per month, five per cent hike in property
tax rates and imposition of 20 per cent tax on "high-end
non-residential" properties like high-class hotels, malls, AC
gyms and clubs having swimming pools were proposed in the
budget unveiled by Commissioner K S Mehra.
"These are the budget proposals of the Commissioner.
Whether to adopt them or not will be decided after we discuss
the issue within the party. We will ensure that the citizens
of Delhi are not burdened further," Sain said.
On property tax, he said the revenue should be increased
by bringing more properties under the tax net rather than
"burdening the people". He also said no professional tax will
be levied. "We will take a decision after discussions."
The opposition Congress also said it will oppose the tax
proposals. "This is wrong. The tax rate hike will increase the
burden on Delhiites," Leader of Opposition and Congress leader
Jai Kishan Sharma said.
PTI
