More than 400 residential and commercial establishments in the tax defaulters list

Hyderabad: The unprecedented hike in property tax by the Secunderabad Cantonment Board is being criticised by residents and welfare associations. “The proposal is biased, unaffordable and too harsh on the citizens,” said B.T. Srinivasan, general secretary of United Federation of Residents’ Welfare Association.

He added, “The SCB officials say that they are following the customs and norms of the GHMC. Yes, they are... but only wherever it is convenient for them. In the GHMC property tax rules, concessions are available for self-occupied properties, houses having eco-friendly measures and for old buildings. There is no such provision in the SCB tax structure.”

The resident welfare associations said they would approach the new elected board members and protest against the unprecedented hike. However, SCB chief executive officer Sujatha Gupta said, “No Board member can interfere in the issue as this is within the CEO’s power as per the Cantonment Act.” Meanwhile, more than 400 residential and commercial establishments, which have defaulted on property tax above Rs 50,000, will be served red notices from March 1. “There are several commercial establishments that have repeatedly defaulted on the property tax over the years. They have already been served demand notices. However, the next move would be serving red notice, which would be followed by notice for attachment of property,” said an official.

An official added, “Among the top defaulters, who have been served notices are RGR Siddhanthi Educational Society, which owes Rs 33.45 lakh; and Begumpet Airport, that owes more than Rs 10 crore”.