CAG report: No transparency in assessing property tax
Thiruvananthapuram- On 12th December, comptroller and auditor general of India submitted a report in the state assembly which says that Kochi Corporation does not adopt transparency methods while assessing property tax in city.
The report also stated variations in calculating property tax for similar properties in the same area. Other faults found includes lack of co-ordination between town and revenue department, lack of mechanism to look into invalid properties, issuing occupancy certificates without prior assessment of buildings, non realisation of tax from all traders in the corporation area and details of demand register not updated.
Further, the audit report pointed out that there was no fair and transparent criteria for fixing the annual value. It was also found the construction or renovation of some properties has extended even after three years without renewal of permit.
During site verification, it was found that completion of construction work of lapsed permits were not reported resulting great loss to the corporation. The audit report also listed the names of important buildings that have not been assessed. Looking at this, Kochi mayor Tony Chammany decided to comment on this issue after a detailed study of the report.
audit report, certificates, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Construction work, Demand, Kochi Corporation, property tax, Revenue department, Thiruvananthapuram
