The Biz Reporter
JAMMU, Oct 5: The Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has decided to postpone the imposition of Property Tax in light of the upcoming elections for the Urban Local Bodies, which include Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Committees. The government’s decision is evident from two recently issued notifications by the Housing and Urban Development Department, copies of which have been obtained by EXCELSIOR.
These notifications, issued under the powers conferred by Section 71-A of the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000, and Section 143-A of the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Corporation Act, 2000, direct the amendment of Rule 5 of the Jammu and Kashmir Property Tax (Municipal Corporation and Other Municipalities) Rules, 2023. Specifically, the notifications substitute the words “30th September, 2023” with the phrase “such date as the Government may notify.”
Notably, the notifications do not mention any specific date for the imposition of Property Tax, leaving it open for the government to announce a new date in the future. This decision is likely to provide relief to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially during the election period.
The postponement of the Property Tax imposition comes amidst the preparations for the elections to the Urban Local Bodies, where citizens will elect their representatives to oversee the governance and development of their respective regions. With this move, the government aims to avoid any potential controversy or unrest that could arise due to the imposition of Property Tax during the election period.
It is yet to be seen when the government will announce the new date for the implementation of Property Tax. In the meantime, the residents of Jammu and Kashmir can expect a temporary reprieve from this tax, allowing them to focus on participating in the upcoming elections and exercising their democratic right to choose their local representatives.
