The AP government mulls increasing the tax burden on people, as municipalities and corporations lack funds. In this regard, the government had already given permission to the corporations and municipalities to increase the taxes and in its latest move has allowed hiking water bill and sanitation charges. Also, the taxes are to be increased by seven per cent every year. The government also directed corporations to collect funds as per their requirement.
People are worried about the news of an increase in property tax, waste collection charges, water bills. It is estimated that people who own a 200 sq yard house would have to pay Rs 60,000 annually in taxes. Meanwhile, the State Election Commission has geared up to hold the local body elections in February. However, the government is reluctant to go ahead. The term of SEC Nimmagadda will end in March, allowing the government to appoint a new Commissioner. As per reports, the government plans to organise elections immediately after Nimmagadda’s term ends and then increase the taxes post-elections.
Can’t they provide basic amenities?
Any government would function with the taxes paid by the people. However, the irony is that nobody takes into consideration how much people pay in taxes and what are the services provided. Criticism is that the corporations and municipalities collect more taxes but do not provide basic amenities. There is a criticism that the government tries to show off by laying roads in one or two colonies and never bother to look at the outskirts of the town.
