Poll-twist: CVS may be put on hold, fears BBMP

Poll-twist: CVS may be put on hold, fears BBMP
Bangalore, dhns:
With the BBMPs new system of taxation based on capital value of a building (CVS) taking a political angle, BBMP officials are worried that Governor Rameshwar Thakur might put the system on hold.


“With elections round the corner and political leaders supporting citizens’ demand to put the system on hold, anything can happen. In that case, it will be difficult for the civic body to mobilise resources for development of an expanded city. We will have to depend on the government for everything,” a top official source told Deccan Herald.
A concrete decision on whether the scheme will be put on hold or will it be introduced in a modified way with a cap on the rates will be taken in a day or two. With the civic budget slated for March 28, officials are in a dilemma whether to show the property tax target on the basis of CVS or under the existing Self Assessment Scheme (SAS), the source said. In the wake of representations made by FKCCI members and former Mayor P R Ramesh on Tuesday to former Chief Minister S M Krishna and Rajya Sabha member B K Hariprasad to get the system stalled, citizens are hopeful of some positive results.
No tax campaign
Members of several residents’ welfare associations, who attended a public meeting called by FKCCI on Wednesday vowed to launch a ‘no-tax’ campaign from April 1. FKCCI members also decided to organise a mass protest against the system on March 28.
“Several participants suggested that we should call for a ‘bundh’ and also go on a hunger strike. We are also planning to approach the court. A final decision will be taken after the March 28 protest,” FKCCI Vice President D Muralidhar said.
Residents back FKCCI
Members of Residents’ Welfare Association, Bangalore East (REWABE) and Sarvagna Nagar Citizens’ Forum, who had organised a protest meeting on Wednesday, resolved to join hands with FKCCI in its efforts to get CVS deferred. “We are with the FKCCI in all its efforts to get the system stalled till a new Government is formed. Let our elected representatives discuss and decide for us. Why should we be ruled by the officials,” K P Abraham, REWABE President said.

Scrap it, say residents
Representatives of the Co-ordinating Committee of the Residents Welfare Association of Indiranagar, comprising 21 associations and South Indian Women’s Association, submitted a memorandum to Governor Rameshwar Thakur on Wednesday seeking scrapping of Capital Value System (CVS).
Sujatha Bhaskar, president of the women’s group, said: “The CVS will force us to sell our property to pay the tax or drive us to suicide. So, it should not be implemented.”
Earlier, over 250 women, staged a protest in the morning in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue on M G Road. They held placards saying, `Say no to CVS’ and `Scrap CVS.’
They planned to take a rally but were denied permission by police. Former minister Rani Satish and former MLA Ivan Nigli were among those who took part.
Residents of Indiranagar, Domlur, J B Nagar, HSR Layout, Rajajinagar and Malleswaram were among those who took part in the rally.