Indore Civic Body Launches Major Crackdown on Chronic Tax Defaulters
In a decisive move to boost municipal revenue, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) executed a sweeping city-wide campaign on Wednesday, targeting commercial establishments with long-pending property and water tax dues. The special drive, organized as a 'Camp Day', resulted in the sealing of prominent properties including a hotel, a hospital, and a car showroom, alongside attachment and seizure proceedings against numerous other businesses.
Major Establishments Sealed for Outstanding Dues
IMC commissioner Kshitij Singhal detailed the actions taken against high-profile defaulters. Mayur Hospital was sealed for outstanding dues amounting to Rs 12.05 lakh, while the Sanghi Toyota showroom faced sealing due to significant long-pending arrears. Hotel Lords also underwent sealing action after failing to clear its tax liabilities. In a notable case, Angara Restaurant was sealed for a debt of Rs 2.75 lakh, but the owner promptly settled the amount to regain access to the premises.
Widespread Attachment and Seizure Proceedings
The revenue recovery campaign extended beyond sealing to include attachment and seizure proceedings across the city. Industrial units on Sanwer Road, such as Nazmi Steam and Metal Pipe, were targeted, with the latter owing a substantial Rs 56.85 lakh. IMC revenue in-charge Niranjan Singh Chauhan and additional commissioner Shringar Srivastava reported that the threat of attachment prompted many owners to settle dues immediately.
Owners of High Street Apollo and The Hub Building cleared Rs 48 lakh following seizure warnings, and Verjus Healthcare Limited handed over a cheque for Rs 20 lakh right after recovery teams initiated proceedings on their premises. Action was also taken against Somesh Garden for dues exceeding Rs 10.92 lakh, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the crackdown.
Substantial Revenue Collection Achieved
By evening, the civic body's revenue teams had collected an impressive Rs 7.06 crore through property seizures, attachments, and sealings. The IMC processed 1,590 receipts from property and water tax defaulters by the end of the business day, with officials indicating that the campaign would continue late into the night to meet targets. This aggressive approach is part of a broader directive from the state government to maximize revenue collection.
Official Statements on the Recovery Drive
"The state government has issued clear directives to maximize revenue collection. We are providing ample opportunity for citizens to pay, but strict action, including the sealing of premises, is being taken against those who ignore repeated notices," stated Chauhan. The pressure of attachment proved effective, as many defaulters opted to settle their dues on the spot to avoid further legal consequences.
The campaign underscores the IMC's commitment to enforcing tax compliance and ensuring that all commercial establishments contribute their fair share to municipal funds. With plans to continue such drives, the civic body aims to curb chronic defaulting and strengthen its financial resources for urban development projects.
