Tax Break Without the Benefit: BBMP’s Rebate Move Sparks Resident Outrage

Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has extended the 5% property tax rebate deadline to May 31, but the gesture has failed to please most property owners. Their main objection? The Solid Waste Management (SWM) user fee — often a significant portion of the tax bill — is excluded from the rebate calculation.

Residents have criticized the move as misleading and unjust, especially in light of BBMP’s poor record in providing basic services. According to officials, the SWM fee was left out because it’s being collected for the first time this year. However, citizens feel shortchanged.

Swarna Venkatraman of I Change Indiranagar said, “It’s unfair we’re charged for waste management when Bengaluru has turned from a garden city to a garbage dump. BBMP’s broken payment system and lack of a rebate just worsens things.”

For many, the issue is less about the money and more about accountability. Sneha Nandihal, also from the same civic group, questioned the rationale behind the new charge. “Nothing has improved — mixed waste is still dumped in landfills and lakes are contaminated. Why this fee now?”

Naresh Sadashivam of Save Voices of Sarjapura added, “If bulk generators are exempt for managing their waste, that’s welcome. But BBMP must prove the extra funds are used transparently. Their service track record is appalling.”

Vinod Jacob from Namma Bengaluru Foundation said the rebate extension is positive, but BBMP must regain citizen trust. “Streetlights, garbage collection, and road cleaning remain neglected. This SWM fee, without improved services, only deepens the credibility gap.”

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