Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation has decided against increasing the commercial holding tax, citing it as anti-people. In a board meeting held on Saturday, councillors unanimously rejected the proposal, while approving 23 out of the 24 agenda items.
Among the approved measures is a fine of up to Rs 5,000 for littering on roads. Other proposals include administrative approval of Rs 1.09 crore for the construction of a crematorium at Nandgola Ghat, allocation of additional funds for the Kadamkuan vending zone, and strengthening of the environment and horticulture department.
The debate over the proposed tax hike on commercial properties was particularly heated. The proposal, originally forwarded by the Urban Development and Housing Department, was referred to the board by the Empowered Standing Committee. However, all councillors opposed it, with senior committee member Dr Ashish Sinha stating that the department should have consulted the corporation before suggesting such an increase.
The discussion on the littering fine also sparked controversy. A woman councillor opposed the measure, arguing that waste collection services were inconsistent in her ward, forcing residents to dispose of garbage in open spaces. Others questioned how enforcement would be carried out, particularly in busy market areas. Some councillors suggested lowering the fine, with one member even proposing that the municipal corporation compensate residents when waste collection services fail.
The proposal was ultimately passed after Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar assured councillors that garbage collection vehicles would be deployed in market areas during the evening and that the initial fine would be only Rs 200.
The meeting was attended by Mayor Sita Sahu, Deputy Mayor Reshmi Kumar, the municipal commissioner, and members of the Empowered Standing Committee, including Dr Ashish Sinha and Indradeep Chandravanshi.
