The Belagavi Municipal Corporation Health Department has begun imposing a Solid Waste Management (SWM) surcharge and this is compulsory to get a trade license renewal. This unexpected move has placed an additional financial burden on local traders, particularly small businesses, who are now voicing their concerns. This surcharge is over and above the SWM charges paid in the property tax.
Under this new regulation, even small shopkeepers in the city have been issued challans of ₹960, calculated at ₹80 per month for the current financial year. Ironically, the surcharge amount in several cases now exceeds the actual business license fee.
The Health Department has clarified that trade licenses will not be renewed unless this surcharge is paid, leaving many business owners in a bind.
As per the Municipal Corporation, the SWM surcharge is supposed to be calculated based on the type and built-up area of commercial establishments. However, ground reports suggest discrepancies—smaller businesses are being overcharged, while larger establishments are often charged less. Dr. Sanjeev Nandre, Health Officer at Belagavi Municipality, stated,
“The surcharge is applicable only for the current financial year and is being levied according to the type and size of the establishment. Challans and receipts are being issued as per rules.”
The issue was also discussed in a recent meeting of the Municipal Health Standing Committee, where Deputy Mayor Vani Joshi raised serious concerns. Allegations surfaced that earlier collections of the SWM surcharge from contractors were backed by bogus receipts, hinting at possible financial irregularities.
Evidence of this misconduct was presented at the meeting. Health Officer Dr. Nandre confirmed that a separate challan system has now been introduced for commercial establishments. However, he did not provide clarity on the exact method of surcharge calculation.
There is no clarity in public domain on the charges however in Bengaluru these are the charges – For properties up to 600 sq ft, resident owners will pay Rs 10 per month; from 600–1,000 sq ft one will have to pay Rs 50 per month; Rs 150 per month for built up area of 2,000–3,000 sq ft; Rs 200 per month from 3,000–4,000 sq ft; and finally Rs 400 per month above 4,000 sq ft.