HYDERABAD: Residents of Secunderabad Cantonment have formally approached the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) with serious concerns about the ongoing application of a 5% transfer of property tax (TPT), as mandated by a notification from 1989.
A resident group known as Cantonment Vikas Manch has pointed out that the 5% TPT was established in 1989 under the provisions of the Cantonments Act of 1924. At that time, limited public awareness and communication made it difficult for many residents to voice objections or suggestions. The TPT is collected by the state government at property registration in the Cantonment area, before being remitted to SCB.
The Manch is requesting that authorities issue a new notification regarding TPT, ensuring adequate time and outreach for public participation. They advocate for a transparent process that allows residents to submit objections and suggestions and for a public consultation to occur before the tax is enforced. Furthermore, they propose that the TPT be reduced to 1.5%, aligning it with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).
The organization highlighted that Secunderabad Cantonment has seen substantial changes over the past few decades concerning population growth, economic conditions, property values, and residents’ purchasing power. Maintaining the same tax rate without considering these evolving factors is deemed unjust and outdated.
In comparison, the neighbouring GHMC charges a TPT of just 1.5%, showcasing a significant disparity. The Manch has called for the TPT in Secunderabad Cantonment to be lowered to 1.5% for the sake of fairness and equity.
They emphasized that continuing such a tax based on a decades-old notification, without providing current residents an opportunity to contribute their viewpoints, contradicts principles of natural justice and democratic governance.
The residents have urged the Secunderabad Cantonment Board to consider their request with empathy, ensuring transparency, fairness, and public trust in the decision-making process.
