Mangaluru CPM Leaders Condemn Annual Property Tax Increase as Unjust Burden
In a strong rebuke, CPM functionaries in Mangaluru have labeled the Mangaluru City Corporation's (MCC) decision to continue raising the SAS property tax by 3% annually as a severe financial assault on urban residents. They argue that this move disregards the mandated three-year comprehensive assessment cycle, instead opting for a mechanical annual hike that serves as an easy revenue collection method.
Economic Oppression Amid Struggling Times
CPM Mangaluru City South and North wing secretaries, Yogesh Jappinamogaru and Prameela Shaktinagar, emphasized that increasing taxes during a period when ordinary people are grappling with income loss and economic hardship amounts to economic oppression. They highlighted that this tax hike comes at a time when many are still recovering from the pandemic's financial impacts, adding another layer of burden to middle and working-class families.
Democratic Values and Administrative Failures
The CPM representatives criticized the tax increase for being imposed without public consultation, especially in the absence of democratically elected ward-level representatives, which they view as a violation of democratic principles. They pointed to projects funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the guise of urban development, which have now become symbols of debt burden rather than progress.
Further evidence of administrative failure, according to the CPM, includes delays in sewer works, flaws in drinking water projects, and unplanned expenses. They accused officials of shifting the burden of mismanagement from previous BJP administrations and the current bureaucratic city administration onto taxpayers, calling this an anti-people policy.
Flawed Tax System and Social Injustice
The CPM argued that the current tax system is unscientific and unjust, as it imposes the same tax rates on old, dilapidated houses and modern multi-storey buildings, which contradicts principles of social justice. Additionally, they condemned excessive taxation on vacant lands as a direct attack on the economic stability of middle and working-class individuals.
Demands and Warnings of Protest
In response, the CPM has urged the MCC to immediately withdraw the SAS property tax increase. They demand the implementation of a tax system based on income, scientific assessment, and fair standards to ensure equity. The leaders warned that if the MCC fails to consider reducing taxes, intense public protests will become inevitable, underscoring their commitment to advocating for people-friendly urban development policies.
