LUCKNOW: In a significant initiative, urban local bodies across the state have commenced efforts to recover outstanding house taxes from property owners. This special drive, which started on July 15, will continue until July 31, during which notices and bills will be sent to those who have yet to settle their dues.
In 17 major cities managed by municipal corporations in Uttar Pradesh, over 5.5 million properties will be targeted. These cities generate a large portion of the state’s revenue, which comes from a total of 762 urban local bodies.
Additionally, it is estimated that the remaining 199 municipal councils and 545 town councils have another 3 to 3.5 million properties. “Currently, the financial contribution from smaller local bodies is minimal. We’re working to equip them with the resources and skills necessary to enhance tax collection in more areas, but this is feasible only in locations where some basic facilities have been established,” stated a senior official.
For the last financial year (April 1 to September 30, 2024), ULBs across UP successfully collected ₹1,401 crore, marking a 33% increase compared to the previous year. The target for this period has been set at ₹1,862 crore.
Anuj Jha, Director of Urban Local Bodies, mentioned, “Through continuous monitoring and consistent efforts, we significantly improved revenue last fiscal year. This time, we have already begun to strengthen our revenue channels and will aim to cover more areas in medium and small towns.”
Through property taxes and other charges, ULBs achieved a consolidated revenue of ₹5,568 crore for the 2024-25 financial year, reflecting a 21% growth.
Furthermore, zonal officials, executive officers, and tax assessors have been instructed to conduct camps to address residents’ grievances. Following geographic information survey assessments, many property tax values in 14 key cities were adjusted upwards, prompting numerous property owners to seek explanations from municipal officials.
