In a drastic move to boost revenue collection, the Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has initiated stringent measures against property tax defaulters, including disconnection of essential civic amenities.
Crackdown on Tax Defaulters
GMC Commissioner Puli Srinivasulu has directed officials to immediately disconnect drinking water taps and drainage connections of both residential and commercial properties that have failed to clear long-pending dues. The action targets outstanding payments including property tax, vacant land tax, metered water charges, and tap fees.
The commissioner expressed strong dissatisfaction with the 'zero percent' daily collection performance recorded by several ward secretariats, despite the financial year having entered its second half. He deemed the continued slackness in revenue collection as completely unacceptable.
Officials Held Accountable
In a significant decision, Srinivasulu has made senior officials, including deputy commissioners, personally accountable for revenue generation targets. He has instructed Additional Commissioner Challa Obulesu to issue show-cause notices to administrative secretaries who have consistently failed to meet even a single day's collection target.
The commissioner issued a stern warning that if no improvement is shown by next week's review meeting, erring secretaries face immediate suspension. This tough stance comes as arrears have accumulated to several crores, threatening the corporation's ability to provide essential civic services.
Strict Recovery Roadmap Implemented
The municipal corporation has laid down a comprehensive recovery strategy to tackle the massive outstanding dues. Final demand notices will be served immediately to all defaulters, followed by swift disconnection of water taps and drainage lines for those who fail to respond.
For high-value defaulters, the corporation plans to escalate recovery efforts through red notices leading to property attachment and eventual auction. Commissioner Srinivasulu revealed that deputy commissioners have been instructed to personally meet major defaulters and remain in the field to ensure daily ward-wise targets are achieved.
The aggressive recovery drive underscores the financial pressure on the municipal corporation and its determination to improve tax compliance among property owners in Guntur.
