Mysuru City Corporation Implements New Motor Vehicle Cess from 2026-27
The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has officially announced the introduction of a new infrastructure cess specifically targeting motor vehicles, set to take effect from the financial year 2026-27. This significant policy shift mandates that residents within MCC jurisdiction must pay this additional levy alongside their existing property tax obligations.
Detailed Cess Structure and Collection Mechanism
According to the official MCC notification, the cess amounts have been fixed at distinct rates based on vehicle type:
- Four-wheelers: Rs 500 per vehicle
- Two-wheelers: Rs 200 per vehicle
- Three-wheelers: Rs 300 per vehicle
The collection of this cess will be systematically tied to the Property Identification Number (PID) of properties located within the MCC limits. This integration ensures that the levy is directly linked to property ownership, streamlining administrative processes.
Official Justification and Property Tax Revision
MCC officials have clarified that this proposal has been implemented in strict accordance with directives issued by the Directorate of Municipal Administration. They emphasized that improper parking has emerged as a major urban challenge across several parts of Mysuru, with only a limited number of property owners possessing dedicated parking facilities.
"This decision has been taken as per the established rules to address infrastructure and parking concerns," stated officials, defending the move as a necessary step for urban management.
In a related development, the MCC has also revised the property tax structure for the upcoming financial year, implementing a uniform increase of 3%. This adjustment is part of broader fiscal measures aimed at enhancing municipal revenue streams.
Political Opposition and Public Criticism
The decision has sparked immediate backlash from political figures and affected citizens. Former mayor Shivakumar, a prominent BJP functionary, launched a scathing critique, labeling the cess as a "direct assault on the poor."
"Even housemaids now rely on two-wheelers for their livelihood. One or two two-wheelers have become an integral part of every family. From gig workers to daily wage labourers, two-wheelers are a lifeline. Collecting tax on them is nothing but sucking the blood of the poor," he asserted.
Shivakumar further alleged that landlords might exploit this move as a pretext to increase rents and claimed that the decision reflects underlying financial distress within the MCC.
Echoing similar sentiments, Shajil, an auto driver, condemned the inclusion of autorickshaws in the tax net as anti-poor and urged the MCC to restrict the cess collection exclusively to four-wheelers.
Support from Civic Advocacy Groups
In contrast, the move has received endorsement from certain civic quarters. Roy Joseph, president of the Mysore Grahakara Parishat, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the prevalent issue of personal vehicles being parked on public roads.
"The MCC is right in collecting a yearly tax for this practice, which often encroaches on public space and disrupts urban mobility," Joseph remarked, supporting the cess as a fair measure for infrastructure maintenance.
The implementation of this motor vehicle cess marks a pivotal development in Mysuru's urban governance, balancing infrastructure funding needs with socio-economic considerations as the city prepares for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
