Tamil Nadu govt puts on hold property tax hike across state

Chennai: In a major relief to citizens across the board, Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday put on hold the hike in property tax in all municipal corporations, municipalities and town panchayts across the State.

Disclosing this to reporters at the secretariat on Tuesday after a Cabinet meeting presided over by the Chief Minister, Mr. Edappadi K Palaniswami, the minister for municipal administration, S.P. Velumani said that it was after long years that the government had increased the property tax in urban areas under various slabs in 2018.

Following representations from the public to lower the property tax hike as it was too steep, the minister said that he had already informed the assembly that the matter would be reconsidered. Now, under the Chief Minister's instructions, a committee has been appointed to revisit the property tax rates.

After consultations with all stakeholders including residents association and trade bodies, the committee will look into the issues and send a report to the government, he said, adding, until then the property tax hike effected in 15 municipal corporations, 121 municipalities, 528 town panchayats since April 1, 2018,  has been put on hold. It will suffice if property owners pay the old rate prior to that date, Velumani said, adding, those who have already paid at the new tax rate would have the extra amount adjusted in the coming year.

SUGAR OPTION CARDS
Meanwhile, State Food minister, R. Kamaraj in a statement said that ration card holders who now draw only sugar under the PDS, could exercise their option to switch over to buying rice through the ration shops on the basis of individual eligibility.

The ration card holders can apply for the change of option online at the website, www. tnpds.gov.in or at the respective offices, Mr. Kamaraj said, adding, there were 10,19,491 sugar-option cards under the PDS at present.