Mayor Srinagar Junaid Azim Mattu opposes J&K property tax, seeks withdrawal
Srinagar, Feb 22: Taking to microblogging website Twitter, Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu has criticized the imposition of property tax in Jammu and Kashmir.
He described the move as “ironically violative of municipal empowerment,” highlighting that it was neither deliberated upon nor approved by elected urban local bodies (ULBs).
According to the Mayor, the imposition of the property tax is an arbitrary move that undermines the authority of the elected ULBs.
In response, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) will explore ways to contest this move. Mayor Mattu said that he will write to the Hon’ble LG, seeking a withdrawal of the SO at the earliest.
This move has sparked a debate in the region, with many residents and civic bodies expressing concern over the sudden imposition of the tax.
Pertinently, the decision has been made without consultation or discussion with the ULBs, which has raised questions over the democratic process.
Meanwhile, the SMC is expected to take up the matter with the concerned authorities to ensure that the imposition of property tax is done in a democratic and transparent manner. The mayor has also urged the authorities to take into consideration the views of the elected ULBs before implementing any policy that affects the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The imposition of the property tax is a matter of concern for many residents, who are already facing economic challenges due to the ongoing pandemic.
The mayor’s call for a withdrawal of the SO and the SMC’s efforts to contest the arbitrary move is likely to be welcomed by many residents and civic bodies.
