The Extended Deadline for Delhi MCD Property Tax Geo-tagging: Everything You Need to Know

Delhi Extends Deadline for Property Tax Geotagging

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has announced an extension for the deadline to geotag properties for property tax purposes. Responding to resident concerns regarding technical issues, the new deadline is now February 29, 2024. Property owners in Delhi who complete the self-geotagging process by this extended date will still be eligible for a 10% rebate on their advance property tax payments. This initiative is part of the MCD's larger strategy to leverage technology for a comprehensive database of property tax records.

Originally slated for January 31, 2024, the one-month extension aims to provide ample time for property owners to complete the process. The MCD had previously stated in December that the 10% rebate on advance tax payments for the 2024-25 fiscal year would be forfeited if the property wasn't geotagged. Taxpayers can avail themselves of this rebate by paying their advance property taxes by June 30, 2024. The MCD hopes to geotag 1.5 million properties within these two months.

What is Geo-tagging?

Geo-tagging is the process of digitally mapping a property using a Geographic Information System (GIS), pinpointing its location using precise and permanent latitude and longitude coordinates. MCD officials believe this initiative will bring manifold benefits to both the corporation and the citizens of Delhi.

This technology allows various media, including images, videos, text messages, QR codes, and web pages to be assigned specific geographic coordinates. Today's smartphones and digital cameras often come equipped with GPS and other location-based technologies that automatically geotag photos.

The Importance of Geotagging Properties

Geotagging properties in Delhi is crucial for several key reasons:

  • Enhanced Revenue Collection: Geotagging is expected to bolster revenue collection and allow tax authorities to more effectively differentiate between taxpayers and those evading taxes. This increased revenue will help the MCD in urban planning and development of public spaces.
  • Improved Urban Planning: It aids in the identification of unauthorized and illegal colonies, enabling law enforcement to take appropriate action. Furthermore, it streamlines essential services like sanitation and maintenance, thereby improving civic infrastructure within colonies.
  • Targeted Interventions: Geotagging allows for timely and targeted interventions to maintain a healthy locality by addressing issues identified through the collected data.

Recognizing these benefits, several other municipal corporations, such as the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and the city corporations of Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Pune, are also considering the implementation of geotagging technology for better urban planning and service delivery.

Challenges Faced in Property Geotagging

Although encouraged by the municipal corporation, several challenges have surfaced, making it difficult for all Delhi residents to geotag their properties:

  • Technical Errors: Many residents have encountered technical issues while attempting to complete the geotagging process. The MCD server's frequent unavailability has contributed to the slow and cumbersome nature of the procedure.
  • Lack of Awareness: A common complaint amongst residents is the inadequate dissemination of information by the Delhi government regarding the self-geotagging procedure. As a result, many remain unaware of the potential benefits.
  • Lack of Clarity: Despite residents reporting the application's issues to local authorities, officials have provided little support to the general public. Confusion and lack of official responses are prevalent and widespread, particularly in the case of property owners living in slums and other informal settlements.

To counter these issues, the MCD launched an awareness campaign to educate the public about the benefits and process of property geotagging.

How to Self-Geotag Your Property in Delhi

Follow these steps to self-geotag your property using the UMA app:

  1. Download the UMA app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Log in using your registered mobile number and OTP. Select the property tax module.
  3. Select the property you wish to geotag using its unique property identification code (UPIC).
  4. Click on the ‘Capture Geo-coordinate’ button.
  5. Enter additional information such as building name, floor number, and other requested details in the app, accompanying it with property photographs.
  6. Save and submit the data. A successful verification will highlight the geotagged property in green within the application.

The MCD considers property tax geotagging a key initiative for enhancing urban planning and service provision. The technology is a valuable instrument to pinpoint issues, streamline property tax assessments, and accelerate infrastructural improvements like road and sanitation repairs within various colonies.