Bengaluru : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Saturday that the Congress-led state government would amend laws to allow more time for payment of property tax and penalties.
Speaking to reporters after the ‘Government at Your Doorstep’ grievance redressal programme at RBANMS High school grounds, Shivakumar added, “There are many appeals during the grievance redressal meetings requesting more time for payment of property tax and penalties. There are also many plaints seeking easing property tax payment processes. The government would amend the rules after discussing it with the officials.”
“Many people have built commercial properties in residential plots and that has attracted penalties. Many people have expressed the opinion that the penalties are too high and the deadlines are too short. In this backdrop, the government will look at extending the deadlines for payment of penalties and also simplifying the process,” he said.
While the state government will bring in reforms, it is important that people also pay taxes promptly as per the properties they own, he added.
Asked how much will the deadline be relaxed for property tax penalty payment, Shivakumar said, “Notices have been served to pay up taxes and penalties within three to seven days. Though the notices are as per the law, it appears to be causing a lot of pain to people. In view of this, we will discuss this with officials and make necessary amendments.”
The Deputy Chief Minister responded, “The decision reflects the government’s commitment to Kannada,” when questioned about the Cabinet’s decision to make Kannada mandatory on signboards. Sixty percent of the writing on all signboards must be in Kannada. In addition to the law’s provision for it, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike is fighting for this. 60% of the space must be in Kannada, with the remaining portion being in any language. All companies based in Karnataka are required to honor the local tongue.”
Asked about the demand of families for the release of those arrested in KJ Halli and DJ Halli riots, Shivakumar added, “All decisions have to be within the legal framework, I can’t comment on this now. As BJP government has pressed certain specific charges, they are not released. The guilty must be punished but the innocent must be spared. The MLAs concerned have also spoken to me about it. We will come to a decision after talking to our legal team.”
Asked about the ongoing discussion about three Deputy Chief Minister posts in the state, he said, “The Congress High Command will respond to the demands for three Deputy CMs. I won’t like to answer that. The current focus is to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and all of us need to work to make it possible.”
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