Poor tax collection keeps Bareilly civic body’s earnings low

BAREILLY::The Bareilly Municipal Corporation performs multiple tasks, ranging from drainage, garbage disposal to tax collection to ensure basic amenities to over 12 lakh residents of the city.

But, hardly 15% of residents pay house tax. Even fewer residents take interest in paying water and drainage tax. This affects the corporation’s earning, which is less than Rs 20-30 crore a year, far below the target of Rs 100 crore. Asked about the civic body’s poor earnings, outgoing mayor IS Tomar says, “I started the procedure to increase earnings in 2013. Some changes in the rate of tax were also suggested but they could not be implemented due to legal issues. We will get it done this time.”

Tomar is seeking re-election on the Samajwadi Party ticket.

The BJP’s mayoral candidate Umesh Gautam suggests lower tax rates and a better revenue collection system as the solution.

“Our tax rates are already high. I will ensure a better tax system collection to increase the number of people paying taxes. This will increase our earnings.”

The poor state of finances is reflected in the corporation and its building. The complex is housed in a British-era building with peeling plaster. The new complex constructed near the building is also in a shambles. It is filthy and full of paan stains. Taxes and fee collected from advertisers are the main sources of revenue for the municipal corporation. The state government pays the salaries of the officials.

The mayor heads the municipal corporation and the municipal commissioner manages it. An array of bureaucrats look after the day-to-day working of the civic body. Like any other government department, the municipal corporation is hit by an acute shortage of staff. A health officer, who was transferred from Bareilly was recalled recently when the position remained vacant for several months due to the government’s inability to appoint another doctor.

Bareilly has failed to get nominated in the first three rounds for selection as a smart city.