The BBMP is contemplating framing a new advertisement policy. Commissioner N. Manjunath Prasad pointed out that the civic body has not been able to collect advertisement tax from those who have put up hoardings with permission from the BBMP since GST came into effect on July 1, 2017.
“The new policy will look at how the BBMP can garner revenue from this source. We can now only collect ground rent. However, we can still collect the arrears. Since December 2016, after the Karnataka High Court order, we have collected ₹63 crore,” said Mr. Prasad.
The BBMP, after a survey, had identified 2,439 illegal hoardings. Of these, as many as 865, including the structures, had been removed.
Mr. Prasad said that the civic body was looking at what other city corporations are charging for laying OFCs and for installation of mobile towers.
Signboards in Kannada
Mr. Prasad also said that they will strictly ensure that all signboards (name boards) are at least 60% in Kannada. “Traders who have taken trade licences have to submit a compliance report within a month. Else, their licences would stand cancelled,” he said.
