Vadodara Municipal Corporation Seals Bus Depot Over Rs 1.09 Crore Tax Dues
In a decisive move to recover outstanding property taxes, the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) sealed the Makarpura bus depot on Monday. The action was taken due to pending tax dues amounting to a substantial Rs 1.09 crore, as part of the civic body's intensified drive ahead of the financial year's end on March 31.
Sealing and Partial Reopening After Deposit
The depot, which was developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, faced immediate sealing by VMC authorities. Assistant Municipal Commissioner (revenue) Suresh Tuver confirmed that most sections of the facility were initially closed, with only the enquiry counter remaining operational. However, passenger amenities were later reopened after the developer submitted cheques worth Rs 24 lakh, providing temporary relief to commuters.
Payment Options and Interest Waiver Scheme
Tuver outlined two clear payment pathways for the developer to resolve the outstanding dues. Firstly, the developer can avail the benefit of VMC's interest waiver scheme by paying the principal tax amount of Rs 85 lakh in a single instalment. The total demand notice of Rs 1.09 crore includes accrued interest on the overdue taxes.
Alternatively, the developer has the option to settle the dues through instalments, but this would require payment of the applicable interest as well. This flexibility aims to facilitate recovery while considering the developer's financial capacity.
Involvement of Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation
Officials from the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) also engaged with the developer regarding the issue. Tuver noted that GSRTC had independently issued a notice to the developer over pending dues, indicating broader financial concerns beyond just property tax obligations.
History of Defaults and Previous Actions
Authorities revealed that this is not the first instance of tax default by the depot. In the past, the VMC had issued multiple notices and taken enforcement measures, including sealing portions of the property, to recover overdue payments. This pattern underscores the persistent nature of the tax recovery challenges faced by the civic body.
The sealing drive highlights VMC's commitment to fiscal discipline and revenue collection as the financial year concludes, setting a precedent for other defaulters in the region.
