Property Tax Deadline Extended, But Gurgaon Residents Refuse to Pay
The Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) has extended its deadline for property tax payments, yet prominent developers like DLF and residents within privately developed areas are withholding payment. These residents maintain they won't pay until the MCG assumes control of these areas from private builders.
Court Hearing Scheduled
A civil writ petition, submitted by the Gurgaon Citizens Council (GCC), addressing this issue, is slated for a hearing in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on December 2nd.
Residents Demand Basic Services
The GCC, representing numerous resident welfare associations in newer Gurgaon areas, argues that the MCG must first furnish essential services such as water, roads, and streetlights before demanding property tax. The organization also emphasizes the double burden residents face, paying maintenance fees to private builders in addition to the MCG's tax demands.
Residents Seek Court Relief
With the court case pending, residents are holding out hope for a favorable ruling that offers some relief from the tax. They've chosen to withhold payment until the matter is resolved judicially. The expectation is that the court proceedings will result in a positive outcome for them.
Residents Question MCG's Role
"The residents are prepared to pay maintenance fees to the private builder, because the builder is indeed delivering services," one resident explained. "But, why should we pay tax to the MCG when they do not provide us with even a single service?"
MCG Insists on Tax Payment
Conversely, MCG staff members insist that those residing in privately developed areas are equally obligated to pay property tax. The municipal act mandates tax payments for reasons other than direct service provision.
MCG Cites Planned Waste Plant
The MCG highlights its planned construction and demolition waste plant as a justification for the property tax, even for those residents, as these residents are equally entitled to benefit from the pending facility for C&D waste. The Corporation further underscores its preparations to assume responsibility for these privately developed areas from the builders.