The Jalpally municipality in Rangareddy district is facing challenges with low property tax collection, causing concern among officials and residents. Only 33% of the total demand of over Rs.7.2 crore for the current financial year has been collected, making Jalpally the lowest performing municipality in the district.
For the 2023-24 financial year, a property tax demand of Rs.702.46 lakh has been fixed, but only Rs.333.08 lakh has been recovered so far. There are a total of 36,263 assessments in the municipality, including residential and non-residential properties.
The municipality is burdened with Rs.6.57 crore in property tax arrears from last year and a penalty amount of Rs.54.80 lakh this year, making the total amount to be recovered over Rs.14.14 crore. Despite efforts to recover taxes, the festive season has hindered progress.
Municipal Commissioner A Vani Reddy has formed teams to improve tax collection and urges residents to pay their dues to enable better civic services. However, residents blame the authorities for neglecting basic amenities like roads, sanitation, and water supply, leading to public dissatisfaction.
Local residents point out the lack of tap water networks in areas like Shaheen Nagar and Pahadi Shareef, along with poor road conditions and inadequate healthcare facilities. The municipality’s cash-strapped situation is worsened by the lack of support from the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme funds in recent years.
