With the help of the information gathered, a Unique Property Identification Code (UPIC) will be generated for every taxable property in the area. But it is not without loopholes.
For the purpose of issuing a unique identity code for all taxable properties in the area, South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has started a survey to seek details of properties owned by residents.
Forms for the survey are being distributed by corporation officials. The filled-out forms are to be handed over at the spot to the person conducting the survey. In case the owner is not present, a week’s time is given for filling up the form.
If the individual does not provide the information, he needs to pay a penalty of Rs 100 to the corporation — also, a fine of Rs 20 per day for the delay, as mandated under the Municipal Corporation Act 465.
With the help of the information gathered, a Unique Property Identification Code will be generated for every taxable property in the area.
Talking to City Spidey, SDMC mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat said, “Through UPIC we will ‘geo-map’ the properties in the area. All the current dues and details of the property will be available through that one number. It will make it much easier for residents to pay tax. And, of course, it will increase the taxpayers’ base. This digital system will help in ridding the system of corruption.”
The mayor appealed to the people to cooperate in the survey and provide the details asked for.
Here’s what the residents had to say.
V Selvarajan, secretary of Federation of Cooperative Group Housing Societies, Dwarka, opined, “UPI codes have already been allotted to most flats in Dwarka, and there are cards issued with digital codes. We already have a property identification number — so how does this survey apply to us? Will they continue to use the digital number already issued or allot a new one? We want clarification from SDMC on this duplication."
He continued, "Also, earlier SDMC would send employees without identity cards. But thank god that’s not the case any more.”
Eminent RTI activist Ramesh Mumukshu welcomed the move and said, “This is a good step — it will help recover tax and expose benami properties [properties purchased in the name of others]. It’ll also curb the practice of illegal construction in Dwarka.”
Mumukshu also raised the issue of constructing extra floors. “I don’t know how the MCD plans to deal with such construction, and how people will provide details for these. This will be a challenge for the authority. Such constructions are rampant in the area. I hope SDMC will take strong steps against this practice.”
