Chandigarh Municipal MP Manish Tiwari has reacted sharply regarding the announcement of recent deduction in property tax by the Chandigarh administration. Tiwari has accused the administration that no opinion was taken from the public representatives before implementing this tax, nor was any formal consultation with the resident Welfare Association of the public. Tiwari clearly stated that “Property tax was levied without any structured consultation and submitted to the General Assembly of the Municipal Corporation. The agenda item on the subject was presented before the House, but was withdrawn without discussing it.”
He said that the administration first imposed taxes and now it has partially reduced it with self -motivation without following any democratic process.
Tiwari reminded that something similar happened when the proposal of free water passed by the General Assembly of the Municipal Corporation was canceled by the administration unilaterally. The Municipal Corporation later overturned the decision. He presented it as an example, describing it as “the issue in a state of vibrancy”.
He said that consultation with public representatives is necessary to conduct democracy effectively. Applying without consultation and then partially withdrawing, is a “pretense approach”, which is not compatible with a healthy democratic process.
Manish Tiwari also raised the question that the Chandigarh administration transferred funds to the Municipal Corporation on the basis of which principle or formula. He said that “it cannot happen that you show me a person and I show you the rules.”
On behalf of the Indian National Congress, Tiwari demanded that the property tax implemented be withdrawn completely. Also, at least 30% of the funds received from the central government budget by the Chandigarh administration should be transferred automatically to the Municipal Corporation, as determined in the guidelines of various Finance Commissions.
He also said that the Congress will consult other India coalition parties to decide the strategy ahead.
The case has once again revealed the lack of coordination between the administration and local public representatives. It will be interesting to see in which direction this issue moves in the coming days and whether the administration gives any clarification on it.
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