No property tax in JK, PRIs & ULBs representatives continue to get honorarium: LG

Baramulla, Oct 19: Rejecting reports that Union Territory (UT) government in Jammu and Kashmir will impose property tax, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said there is also no proposal for reduction or scrapping of the honorarium of elected Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (UBLs).

Addressing “My Town My Pride” meeting after inaugurating an important bridge over river Jehlum which connects old town with civil lines here Monday, Mr Sinha said UT government is not imposing any property tax as was being misrepresented by some people.

Almost all political parties were up in arms after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had empowered the UT administration last week to impose the property tax after an amendment to the J&K Municipal Act, 2000 and J&K Municipal Corporation Act, 2000 through the J&K Reorganisation (Adaption of State Laws) order, 2020.

Mr Sinha said the ULB's are competent to decide on such issues in consultation with the public.

Lt Governor Sinha said some vested interests misleading elected PRI's/ULB's representatives on the honorarium issue.

“Let me clarify, there's no proposal for reduction or scrapping of the honorarium”, he declared.

During his visit, LG Sinha_inaugurated various public assets and laid foundation of development works worth Rs16.64cr.

Fish Market Bridge worth Rs 4.99 cr was dedicated to the public. Development and upgradation of Cariappa Park to be carried out at Rs1.31cr.

“Under Jal Jeevan Mission, Rs 883 crore allotted to Baramulla, out of which Rs 46 crore already released.

To address water supply issues, two reservoirs with filtration plant under construction, to be ready in the next 2 months.