Some people evading paying taxes in Bengaluru, says Deputy CM Shivakumar

BENGALURU: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday lamented that the tax collection in Bengaluru was poor and noted that some people were not paying taxes properly. He also said a survey is being conducted to identify those who are not paying up taxes.

Addressing media persons after chairing a meeting of the Brand Bengaluru committee, Shivakumar pointed out that only Rs 3,000 crore is being generated in taxes in the city. “I had faith in people, but some are not paying taxes properly. I don’t mean to say everyone, but some are not paying taxes and this has to be sorted out”.

The Deputy CM said the officials had briefed him that the citizens were eagerly awaiting the launch of services on the extended purple line and hence, the services were started without much ado. “Bengaluru is not mine or the government’s, it is your city. We have failed as regards waste-to energy conversion. Some of the units are not even functioning and have become dump yards. Bengaluru is not a planned city”, he said.

Shivakumar also noted that there is a major traffic problem in the city and claimed that after the Namma Metro and Shakti free travel scheme for women were introduced, it has reduced. “We will build flyover and tunnel roads. We have already set up two committees under Brand Bengaluru, one headed by me and the other by the chief secretary”, he said.

Deputy CM D K Shivakumar addressing the media on the Brand Bengaluru meeting.

Stressing on the need for digitalisation of property documents he said ‘Namma Svattu’, a new programme, will be implemented. “We will survey the properties and ensure that pucca documents are delivered home”, he said. He, however, said everything cannot be made online and cited the example of the Attibele firecracker godown incident. On suggestions from citizens that they will maintain parks themselves, he said he will consult with the MLAs and take a decision regarding the issue.

The Deputy CM noted that thousands of families move into Bengaluru every year and this was revealed through the Gruha Jyothi registrations. “As the population rises, the demand for water will also increase. A committee has been set up to study the traffic problem and stress will be given to public opinion. The Metro network will have to be increased and new roads and flyovers will have to be built. The BBMP has been given a free hand to clear encroachments on rajakaluves. So far, we have received over 70,000 suggestions”, he noted.

Earlier, the programme held at the Jnana Jyothi auditorium of Central College, was inaugurated by some senior citizens who watered some saplings. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Additional Chief Secretary Rakesh Singh, BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Giri Nath, BMRCL Managing Director Anjum Pervez and others were present.