Chikkamagaluru collects a record Rs 33.6-cr tax from gram panchayats

Chikkamagaluru: The district set a record in tax collection at the gram panchayat level. For the first time, more than 100% tax collection has been achieved, with a collection of Rs 33.6 crore.
The district, which was lagging in revenue collection, rose to the third position in the state. There are a total of 226 gram panchayats in the district's nine taluks. The tax collection target was set at Rs 31.7 crore. However, exceeding expectations, Rs 33.6 crore was collected, achieving 106.7% success, according to officials.
In 2022-23, only 77.5% was achieved, and in 2023-24, it was just 50.6%. This time, following govt guidelines, special meetings and various efforts led to surpassing the target, they opined.
The gram panchayat area includes several tourist activities like homestays and resorts. In addition, buildings, plots, and shops have also been increasing. Due to a lack of interest in revenue collection, the collection was low, and tax arrears were ongoing for several years, as per the officials.
This time, additional efforts were made to improve tax collections. A nodal officer was appointed, and priority was given to identifying areas with homestays, resorts, hotels, and small industries for tax collection, an officer explained.
Tax collection was good in Malnad region. However, this time, taxes were collected in Kadur, Tarikere, and Ajjampura taluks as well. This was possible due to the efforts of the staff and the cooperation of the people, according to ZP chief executive officer HS Keerthana.
Fund to be utilised for development of local areas
"This time, revenue collection was record-breaking amount. The money will not be used for other purposes, and each gram panchayat's funds will be used for the development of that particular area," the officer said. "It will be used for streetlighting, staff salaries, drinking water, sanitation, and office maintenance, along with development work. The revenue collection drive received a good response from the people. The staff of gram panchayats, along with presidents and members, cooperated. Success was achieved through collective work," the officer added.