VADODARA: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) is facing ongoing issues with the frequent disappearance of old documents related to the properties it has rented out across the city.
The VMC is currently owed approximately Rs 12 crore from various rental agreements, including shops, cabins, handcarts, and temporary sheds. It keeps a register to track all properties that have been rented out.
Unfortunately, it appears that many of the rent records maintained over the years are the only documentation available for numerous properties. In total, there are 2,737 such rental agreements on file.
A VMC official noted that many of these agreements date back decades, and records for many of them are missing. As a result, the civic body is making efforts to enhance rent collection, as numerous rental dues have remained unpaid for extended periods.
According to sources, many shops and cabins have been sublet or permanently transferred for one-time payments. The VMC previously instituted a fee of Rs 25,000 to permit such arrangements, which reportedly generated significant income for the beneficiaries.
The VMC’s standing committee has recommended revising rental rates, suggesting that higher fees should be applied if tenants sublet their shops. VMC standing committee chairman, Sheetal Mistry, remarked on the lack of records for properties rented prior to 1983, stating, “Our goal is to secure a fair rental amount and boost our revenue. We need to explore all avenues for increasing income.”
