RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has increased commercial property tax by 15pc and residential by 10pc in its annual budget of Rs4.474 billion for 2020-21.

RCB spokesman Qaiser Mehmood told Dawn that under the law, the commercial property tax was increased by 30pc and on residential by 20pc after every three years and it was due this fiscal year.

“But due to Covid-19 pandemic, the board decided to give relief to the residents of cantonment and increased commercial property tax by 15pc and residential by 10pc for this year only,” he explained.

He said it was not a new tax as property tax increased after every three years under the assessment policy. However, neither water nor any other charges have been increased in the new budget, he added.

The board approved the annual budget of Rs4.474 billion and its major chunk has gone to non-development expenditure and for development it has earmarked only Rs400 million.

The budget session was held with Station Commander Brig. Ijaz Qamar Kiani in the chair while 12 elected members and as many nominated members from military and civilian bureaucracy were present at the session.

RCB Cantonment Executive Officer Omer Farooq Ali Malik presented the budget which was approved by the board without any objection.

The budget now will be sent to Military Lands and Cantonment Rawalpindi Region Director for final approval.

While presenting the budget, Omer Farooq Ali Malik said that no new tax had been levied and there would be no change in water tariff in next fiscal year. He said that the development projects worth Rs400 million would be launched in 10 wards of the cantonment areas indiscriminately.

The civic body estimated that the total receipts are expected to stand at Rs4.489 billion including property taxes, other taxes and fees.

A sum of Rs1,591 million has been allocated for salaries and allowances of the civic body staff while Rs221 million for contingencies.

According to the plan, Rs2.5 billion will be earned from property tax including commercial and domestic units, Rs500 million from water charges, Rs275 million from fee for transfer of immoveable property, Rs200 million on fines imposed on shops, Rs100 million from the mobile phone tower fees, Rs100 million from rent of shops and Rs250 million from premium of land.

RCB spokesman Qaisar Mehmood told Dawn that the RCB would launch new projects to use land for the commercial purposes. He said that new projects for roads, streets and water supply lines would also be launched.

He said that the board appreciated the work of RCB under the leadership of RCB Cantonment Executive Officer Omer Farooq Ali Malik for COVID-19 prevention measures, to avoid flood like situation and for anti-dengue drive.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2020