Cong to launch stir against hike in municipal taxes

Surat: Councillors of the Congress party have decided to strongly oppose the steep hike in property tax and user charges proposed in Surat Municipal Corporation's (SMC) budget for 2018-19. It has planed city-wide agitation demanding withdrawal of the proposed hike. The ruling BJP members, too, are opposed to hike in property tax rates, but are fine with increase in user charges.
Currently, the 116 member House has 36 Congress councillors, while rest 79 are from BJP. One councillor had resigned from BJP and is now supporting Congress.

Leader of opposition in SMC Papan Togadia told TOI, "For 10 years they did not increase local taxes, and now they have suddenly increased all charges to disproportionate levels. This can't be tolerated."

"Hike is not restricted to property tax, but to all user charges and even form fees have increased. This will be a huge burden on common people and we will oppose it," he added.

City Congress chief Hasmukh Desai said, "There will be a week-long agitation starting February 1. A rally, dharna, protest march and many other programmes will be held on daily basis." A meeting of Congress elected representatives is scheduled on Thursday to finalize the protest programme.
Even ruling BJP in SMC is against this steep hike proposed in the property tax.
Chairman, SMC standing committee, Rajesh Desai said, "We are studying the budget proposal. After assessing the financial health of SMC, a decision would be taken. Primarily it looks as if there are chances of reduction in hike on property tax. Increase in user charges seems ok."
The budget proposed by the administration needs to be approved by standing committee and then by the general board.
by via Surat News, Latest Surat News Headlines & Live Updates - Times of India