In a sop for religious places, charitable institutions of repute and owners of prominent heritage buildings, Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) authorities have decided to exempt them from paying property tax.
This exemption had already been granted to Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture. Now, it has been extended to Ramakrishna Mission-run Matri Bhawan Hospital, Nakhoda Mosque, Tipu Sultan Masjid and St Andrew's Church. Besides, the authorities of St Andrews Church will receive Rs 29 lakh from the civic body for its renovation.
KMC has also decided to renovate the residence of Nawab Wajed Ali Shah at Metiabruz. "The civic body has sanctioned Rs 20 lakh for restoration of the nawab's dilapidated house, including its famous prayer room.
Mayor Bikash Bhattacharya said KMC would play a major role in the restoration of heritage buildings. KMC officials said requests had been received from several organizations to grant them property tax exemption on the ground that their buildings had heritage status. "We have been scrutinizing the applications and forwarding them to competent authorities since we can't exempt tax on hundreds of such structures," said a KMC official.
KMC has decided to exempt the tax only for those owners of heritage buildings, who give an assurance to keep their structures in shape.
Source: Times Of India March-02-08
