MYSURU: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) is set to use the services of women self-help groups (SHGs) to collect property tax and water bill arrears from defaulters. Twenty women SHGs applied for the job, while the MCC is likely to engage 10 shortlisted groups.
According to MCC officials, Rs 30 crore in property tax is unpaid, while the water bill dues are being calculated. “These self-help groups will be given 5% of the collected amount,” explained sources. “The SHGs for the task will be shortlisted by the end of the month. Only those registered under the DAY-NULM scheme will be utilised for the service,” they said.
As per MCC officials, the corporation invited applications from the SHGs to apply for this task. Only those SHGs with members having digital literacy will be used for this drive.
“Property tax and water bills are the two major revenue sources for the corporation. To reach 100% tax collection, this new initiative was taken up. It will also help the women SHGs to create a new revenue source for their members,” said officials.
However, the MCC’s idea has not been well-received by many. They are demanding the MCC drop this idea as it will not serve any purpose.
This exercise is misleading, said former mayor M Shivakumar. “They want to portray that MCC is creating a new revenue source for the women SHGs. But, I doubt that defaulters will pay their arrears when these SHG members visit their residences,” he added.
“MCC has a huge staff strength. For every ward, a revenue and water inspector is appointed. They must be made accountable. The MCC has a lot of schemes for the women. The need of the hour is implementing them effectively,” he said.
