BJP proposes, admin opposes: 50% rebate in tax, water bill remain elusive

Nagpur: After former municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, even current civic chief Radhakrishnan B appears to be defying directives of ruling party BJP to give rebate of 50% in property tax and water bills. Standing committee chairman Vijay Zalke on Tuesday held a meeting and again directed the water works department to table the proposal for rebate in water bills as well as exemption from levying penalty for late payment.
TOI had reported on August 3 BJP was raising a hue and cry over power bills but not giving rebate in property tax and water bills in NMC, and also remained silent on disconnection of water supply.
Mayor Sandip Joshi had on August 13 held a meeting with all party leaders and decided to give 50% rebate in property tax, water bills and exemption from penalty on late payment. He directed the then municipal commissioner Mundhe to submit a proposal to the general body.
Mundhe had said demand notes for current fiscal had been already issued. He also said only state government could give such relaxation, and not NMC. He did not table a proposal before general body, saying NMC’s financial crisis would further deteriorate. He was transferred on August 26.
On Tuesday, Zalke, also chairman of water works consultative committee, held a review meeting with officials of water works department and private operator OCW. He told TOI, “Directives have been given to table the proposal for exemption in penalty on late payment of water bills, and rebate on water bills.”
Asked about similar proposals for property tax, Joshi said, “Mundhe did not agree. I spoke to Radhakrishnan when he joined. He had asked for a month to study financial situation of NMC and take decision. He is yet to table any proposal. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold general body meeting as it is not possible online, so we cannot pass a resolution.”
Radhakrishnan assumed charge on August 28 and completed 44 days on Tuesday. “Any proposal, if required, will be appropriately analysed and submitted as per need,” the civic chief said.
The rebate and penalty exemption on property tax and water bills was meant to be a relief to people from effects of lockdowns.
Zalke also said on Tuesday, “NMC will give independent connection to each residential tower in a housing society. Disputes are arising among flat owners due to single connection to entire society, even delaying payment to NMC.