Janaagraha submits proposal to boost BMP revenue

Janaagraha submits proposal to boost BMP revenue

The Hindu

BANGALORE, DEC. 12. Involving citizens in expanding the tax base and revenue, an idea proposed by Janaagraha, called Ward RECi-P (Revenue Enhancement through Citizens Participation) has been welcomed by the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP). Once approved, the scheme is likely to be implemented in one ward on a pilot basis.

According to a survey conducted by Janaagraha using GIS (Geographic Information System) maps and door-to-door data collection in 10 wards last year, the revenue can go up by three times the present collection. A proposal in this regard was submitted to the BMP in December last year.

The Ward RECi-P initiative examines the incremental revenue opportunities for the BMP from the existing revenue sources such as property taxes, building licenses, hoardings, parking fees and trade licenses.

Citizens will take on the responsibility of generating revenue only on a revenue-sharing formula, where incremental revenues being raised can be ploughed back into development activities in their ward, in the projects that they have identified. "When citizens see their money working for them, they will pay their share. This will result in buoyant revenues, and ensure that these revenues are put into projects that citizens have asked for, through discussions with their corporator."

At the PROOF (Public Record of Operations and Finance) second quarterly public debate here on Saturday, the BMP Commissioner, K. Jyothiramalingam, said that the concept was a good idea and could be implemented in a ward on a trial basis.