Hyderabad – A government scheme offering a 5% property tax rebate has led to a sharp rise in tax collections across urban local bodies (ULBs) in Telangana, excluding those under Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).
Thanks to the early bird scheme, ULBs collected over ₹400 crore in just one month. This is a noticeable jump from last year, where collections stood at 14.8%. This year, with the rebate, collections reached 17.68% of the total demand of ₹2,264.84 crore.
The State Government had announced the rebate for property tax payments made before April 30, aiming to encourage timely payments. In response, many municipalities launched awareness drives. Officials sent SMS reminders and ran campaigns to inform residents about the offer.
Jammikunta Municipality led the way with an impressive 54.78% collection rate. Close behind was Huzurabad Municipality, reaching 51.85%. In total, 35 ULBs crossed the 25% collection mark, including Bollaram, Ramagundam Corporation, Gummadidala, Peerzadiguda Corporation, Siddipet, Narayankhed, Boduppal, Suryapet, and Meerpet.
Some newer municipalities performed exceptionally well. For example, Gummadidala achieved a solid 42% collection rate. Maddur reached 34.2%, while Gaddapotharam came in at 26.24%. Moinabad and Chevella also crossed 21%, showing growing taxpayer awareness in these areas.
However, not all municipalities performed equally. A few fell below 10% collection, including Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC), Medak, Bhainsa, Jalpally, Adilabad, Wyra, and Cheriyal.
To boost participation further, CDMA Commissioner TK Sreedevi hosted a live show on All India Radio, encouraging citizens to take advantage of the rebate. Officials say the public responded positively, with many voluntarily clearing their dues early.
The success of the program reflects growing civic engagement and better communication between local bodies and residents. The early bird rebate not only improved revenue but also promoted a culture of timely tax payments across Telangana’s ULBs.
