In a strongly worded critique, former Mysuru mayor Shivakumar has openly questioned the rationale behind increasing municipal taxes at a time when global tensions and economic pressures are already burdening citizens. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Shivakumar highlighted the severe economic distress faced by people, exacerbated by recent international conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Economic Hardship Amplified by Tax Hikes
Shivakumar emphasized that citizens are already grappling with financial strain, pointing to the recent government-mandated hike in milk prices as a prime example of added difficulties. "At this critical juncture, the Mysuru City Corporation has further aggravated the situation by increasing property and water taxes," he stated, arguing that such measures are ill-timed and insensitive to public woes.
Uneven Tax Collection Across the City
The former mayor raised serious concerns about the inconsistent collection of water taxes throughout Mysuru. He questioned whether water tax is being uniformly enforced in all wards, noting that in several areas, water meters are either absent or non-functional. Shivakumar alleged that in most parts of the NR Constituency, houses lack water meters or have meters that are deliberately kept inoperative, leading to disparities in tax obligations.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
Criticizing the authorities, Shivakumar asserted that tax collection efforts seem to target only honest citizens who regularly pay their bills, while others evade scrutiny. He demanded the release of a comprehensive white paper detailing ward-wise tax collection figures to ensure transparency. Additionally, he sought clear accountability on how the collected funds are being utilized by the Mysuru City Corporation.
Urgent Appeal to Officials
Shivakumar urged city corporation officials to address these issues with seriousness and diligence. "If officials are hesitant to visit certain areas due to safety concerns, they should go with adequate security," he advised, stressing the need for equitable enforcement and resolution of the meter-related problems. His statements underscore a growing call for fair governance and relief amid ongoing economic challenges.
