BBMP finalizing property register

BBMP finalizing property register

Aarthi R | TNN


Bangalore: A long-pending demand of Bangaloreans will soon be met — the BBMP will, for the first time, have a detailed and accurate property register. Soon, you can also check if your name figures in the list of taxpayers.
The Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act makes it mandatory for the local body to maintain a property register and also make it available to the people. However, the register was never updated in Bangalore due to various reasons including lack of relevant technology and a non-uniform taxation system.
The clarity in laws this time, increased mapping of properties using the Geographic Information System (GIS) and the accuracy of data collected has helped put in place the city’s first complete property register. This register will include details of the property assessed complete with the property details got from the GIS mapping alongside details of inspection, if any by the BBMP — for every property within its limits.
The complete list of taxpayers will also be uploaded on the BBMP website www.bmponline.org — with details like name of property owner, property usage, built-up area and the tax paid.
“The details on the website will not be an invasion of anybody’s privacy but rather a process to initiate some level of self-policing. This also helps record the tax liability of the property owner,’’ BBMP commissioner S Subramanya told STOI. Work is under way on compiling details for the database and the first list should be ready in the next fortnight.
The list will also give property owners a chance to file revised returns in case of any errors in tax assessment earlier (see box).
On filing your revised returns
During this time, BBMP will also match property details on submitted forms and GIS details. Steep variation in data will result in property inspection. In case of genuine problems, taxpayers can file a revised return — under Section 108 of the new SAS law. This must be done before the BBMP takes up inspection in May 2009 (when random scrutiny begins). The accuracy of records available this time is expected to make scrutiny more transparent.