GUWAHATI: Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) on Monday granted an extension to property owners, who are yet to clear their property taxes, by a day, but not before adding a penalty to it.
GMC additional commissioner Hemanga Nobis said, “Citizens can pay by April 1st, but will have to do so with a penalty. Those who pay by 31st March midnight will not be charged any penalty.”
Earlier, mayor Mrigen Sarania had said that the March 31 deadline for tax payments will not be extended as it marked the final date of the 2024-25 financial year. “There won’t be any extension for defaulters. We have to adhere to the existing rules and regulations. The deadline has been set in accordance with financial policies and we cannot make exceptions,” Sarania said.
The mayor said property owners had been given ample time to clear their dues, before adding that GMC will not compromise on tax collection as it plays a crucial role in funding civic amenities and infrastructural development in the city.
Sarania’s statement comes on the back of an appeal by a city-based voluntary organisation, ‘Save Guwahati, Build Guwahati’, urging GMC to extend the deadline on property tax payment by two to three months.
General secretary of the organisation, Kailash Sharma, said, “We are not opposed to paying taxes, but many residents are struggling with financial hardships, making it difficult for them to meet the deadline. The GMC should acknowledge these challenges and adopt a more compassionate approach by providing flexible payment options or an extension.”
He further said, “Instead of imposing strict penalties, GMC should engage with affected residents, understand their concerns and offer solutions that can ease their financial burden, while ensuring compliance.”
Sharma also said that they would welcome any govt intervention and will approach CMM Himanta Biswa Sarma and state housing and urban affairs minister Jayanta Malla Baruah in hopes of finding a resolution to the issue.
Previously, GMC had issued a notice, urging residents to pay their dues by March, warning that failure to do so would result in 20% penalty and might even lead to confiscation of their properties under sections 188 and 189 of the GMC Act, 1971.
