The CPI city unit on Wednesday staged a dharna at the GVMC calling a halt to the distraint notices being issued to those who have not paid property tax for 2010-11. CPI city secretary Marupilla Paidiraju and corportor A.J. Stalin led the protest. In a memorandum, the party said after the steep increase in the tax for 2010-11, the corporation passed a resolution urging the government to limit the increased the tax to the one prevailing on March 31, 2010. However, the State Government issued orders directing the corporation to implement the increased tax decided as per rental values. However, following some associations and individuals approaching it, the A P High Court gave its interim orders asking the corporation to limit the hike to 75 per cent to the petitioners.
Mr. Stalin said owing to subsequent pressure from various sections and political parties, the corporation passed a resolution on August 17, 2011, urging the government to cap the hike at 75 per cent. He said even as the government's decision was awaited, distraint notices were being issued to pay the increased tax with interest.
