Ongole: The Ongole Municipal Corporation is likely to introduce Geographic Information System to check irregularities in the property tax system to increase revenue. A consultancy engaged by the OMC, conducted a survey in four divisions in the municipal corporation on pilot basis. The agency will take measurements of the house with the help of satellite and calculate the property tax depending upon the type of construction and submit a report to the OMC. The officials are verifying the report submitted by the consultancy. If there is any difference, the OMC revenue officials will issue a notice to the building owners and collect the difference.
The officials are feeling that if this system is introduced, the corporation will get at least Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore additional revenue through property tax. Sources in the OMC said there are 50,000 assessments in Ongole city. The OMC is getting Rs 13 crore revenue through property tax. If this system is introduced, the OMC revenue is likely to increase to Rs 14.5 crore. After verification of reports submitted by the consultancy, the officials will take a decision to introduce the system.
Sources in the OMC said, the consultancy agency conducted a survey and submitted report, in which the officials have found Rs 10 lakh difference in property tax. After completion of verification, the OMC will take a decision. OMC commissioner Ch. Vijayalakshmi said, “If we check property tax in all the divisions, we will get at least Rs 1 crore additional revenue to the OMC. We will take a decision in this matter very soon. If there is any difference in the property tax, we will collect the balance from the house owners also.
