GURUGRAM: Just two weeks post the MCG’s significant reshuffle of 134 clerks across various departments, the property tax branch is facing substantial challenges. Reports indicate that the department is grappling with a considerable backlog of property-related objections.
Data obtained by TOI reveals that there are currently 3,907 pending property ID-related objections at MCG. This comes on the heels of recent clerical transfers, predominantly from the property tax division, amid allegations of corruption and collusive practices with brokers.
An analysis shows that 884 applications (22.6%) are delayed at the citizen level, whereas a staggering 3,023 files (77.4%) are awaiting processing within MCG itself. This implies nearly four out of five pending cases require action from MCG officials.
Additionally, concerns are rising regarding the generation of new property IDs, essential for property tax assessments, ownership transfers, and civic paperwork. Currently, 486 applications for new property IDs are unresolved, putting hundreds of property owners in a bind.
According to a report by TOI on May 20, MCG executed a significant transfer of clerks across departments, including major shifts within the property tax division. MCG officials have cited these transfers as a cause of the delay, stating that clerks from various departments such as sanitation and engineering are now tasked with clearing files within the tax office.
“The delays stem from two primary factors: the reshuffling of clerks and staff being assigned to Census duties until May 30. I conducted a training session with the clerks recently, and now that the Census duties are complete, we will monitor the backlog closely and resolve these issues promptly,” said MCG’s additional commissioner, Yash Jaluka, in an interview with TOI.
The clerical reshuffle followed numerous complaints from residents alleging that applications were being intentionally delayed, canceled arbitrarily, or funneled through intermediaries demanding bribes for clearances.
During a surprise inspection ordered by the MCG commissioner, evidence of collusion between certain staff members and external brokers was allegedly uncovered. The municipal body asserts that the mass transfers aim to dismantle longstanding corrupt networks and introduce a new standard of transparency.
MCG records indicate a high volume of daily applications related to ownership transfers, tax adjustments, mobile number updates, and assessment revisions.
