The Belagavi City Corporation has approved a three percent increase in property tax for the year 2026-27, despite strong objections from opposition corporators during the general body meeting. Notably, the corporation had also increased property tax by three percent in April 2025, making this the second consecutive annual hike.
Interestingly, the issue of the tax hike was not originally included in the meeting agenda. The matter was raised in the House by Council Secretary Sidhu Halloli, following which it was taken up for discussion. After deliberations, the House decided to implement a 3% increase in property tax.
Opposition corporators strongly opposed the proposal, insisting that taxes should not be increased under any circumstances. They maintained their stand throughout the discussion, arguing that citizens were already under financial pressure.
Government-appointed corporator Ramesh Sontakki questioned municipal officials about why such an important matter had not been listed in the official agenda of the general body meeting. He termed it improper to discuss and decide on such a significant issue without prior notice to corporators and asked why the matter had been kept from them.
Responding to the concerns, Council Secretary Sidhu Halloli stated that a tax revision in the range of three to five percent was being considered. After hearing the views of both the ruling and opposition groups, Mayor Pawar announced the decision to proceed with a three percent increase in property tax.
The Corporation is very keen on collecting property taxes. But visit the Corporation for any issues in proactively and legitimately paying your tax and experience how discouraging the system is….