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Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Anti-people move, says Congress on hike in property conversion charges
Jun 24, 2025 10:04 AM IST The Congress' local unit has condemned the 'arbitrary and steep' hike in charges for converting leasehold properties into freehold by the administration. HS Lucky, president of the Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee, termed the decision as 'anti-people'. This would severely impact thousands of residents who have long been awaiting regularisation of their properties, he said. Congress leader HS Lucky also highlighted increase in property tax, water charges, etc. 'After the threefold hike in property tax, increased water charges and rising electricity bills, the administration has now issued a new draconian order. This move will break the backbone of middle-class families, senior citizens and small property owners,' he said. 'This decision by the BJP-led administration is utterly insensitive and has been taken without any public consultation. The people of Chandigarh are already facing immense financial stress. This sudden hike, without any discussion or clarification, raises serious questions about the priorities of the administration,' he said, adding that the conversion fee must be nominal and equitable. The administration has already stated that a notification on the revised rates would be issued soon and implemented on June 30.
Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: In Mauli Jagran rally, Congress hails army action
The Chandigarh unit of the Congress organised a 'Jai Hind Yatra' at Vikas Nagar in Mauli Jagran, hailing the decisive and courageous action of the armed forces against Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. The rally was led by Manish Tewari, member of Parliament from Chandigarh, and HS Lucky, president of the Chandigarh Pradesh Congress Committee. Also present were Surjit Dhillon, president of the District Congress Committee, Manimajra, and Mukesh Rai, chairman, of the party's colony cell. Manish Tewari, while addressing the gathering, said, 'The Indian Army has once again proved that the safety, sovereignty and dignity of our nation are in the most capable hands. Their resolute and effective action against aggression from across the border deserves not only our gratitude but our highest respect. Today, we stand united to honour their bravery and sacrifice.' Lucky said, 'The Jai Hind Yatra is our humble tribute to the bravehearts of the army. They are the true guardians of our nation and their courage, in the face of constant threat, is an inspiration to every Indian. We thank them with folded hands and reaffirm our unwavering support.' The event concluded with national anthem and a pledge to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Chandigarh MC house to meet today; major showdown on cards over property tax & parking rates
1 2 Chandigarh: The MC house meeting on Wednesday is set to be a stormy affair, with both AAP and Congress ready to corner the BJP on the issues of property tax hike and the proposed increase in parking rates. AAP Chandigarh spokesperson and councillor Yogesh Dhingra said, "AAP demands a full rollback of the property hike. The small reduction in the rate is just a political stunt by the BJP. Now the BJP wants to put an additional financial burden on city residents by increasing parking rates. Rates were already increased under the guise of introducing smart parking, but it is still to be done. AAP will take a strong stand in Wednesday's house meeting on these issues." Congress has also demanded a complete rollback of the property tax hike. In a pre-house meeting of the Congress councillors held under the leadership of Chandigarh Congress president H S Lucky on Tuesday, party councillors decided to voice their protest strongly and unequivocally during the house meeting. Stating it was BJP's strong opposition to the property tax hike and its subsequent efforts that led to a decrease in property tax rates, mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, on the proposed parking rates increase , said, "It is up to the house to decide parking charges. A revision in parking rates will facilitate the introduction of smart parking." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like CFD's: Investing $200 in Emaar Malls can give you a second income TradeLG Undo As per the proposed increase in parking rates, the first 15 minutes shall be free across all parking lots. Thereafter, four-wheelers will be charged Rs 20 for up to four hours of parking, Rs 25 for 4 to 8 hours, and for above 8 hours, an additional Rs 10 per hour. Two-wheelers will be charged Rs 10 for up to 4 hours, Rs 15 for 4 to 8 hours, and above 8 hours, an additional Rs 5 per hour. In addition to this, the MC is proposing to impose a compound penalty/interest on water bills. "A consumer who fails to pay the water charges, including arrears and surcharge/penalty thereto, if any, should be liable to pay a penalty at the rate of 10% of the total amount of water charges due, including surcharge, if any, due on the date from the consumer," said the agenda. Also, the MC is planning to revise the licence fee for erecting or re-erecting hedges and fences on municipal land. It has been proposed to increase the licence fee, to enhance revenue, from Rs 0.25 per sq ft per year to Rs 2 per sq ft per year for erecting/re-erecting hedges on municipal land adjoining residential areas on the road berm of V5 and V6 roads. Other key agendas - Lease deed on behalf of MC with private landowners for setting up a modular type sewage treatment plant for the treatment of wastewater generated from village Fadian. - Selection of an agency for the disposal of horticulture waste. - Allotment of land for setting up a critical care block (50-bedded) PM-ABHIM, Plot 5 in Pocket 1, Manimajra, in lieu of land at pocket no.14 Manimajra, Chandigarh. - Adoption of Haryana Fire and Emergency Service Act for Chandigarh. MSID:: 120737675 413 |
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Congress pays tribute to Pahalgam victims in Chandigarh
1 2 3 Chandigarh: The Congress held a condolence meeting at Sector 35 Congress Bhawan on Thursday to mourn the tragic killing of innocent people in Pahalgam by terrorists. Rajni Patil , MP and general secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), led the meet. The meeting commenced with a two-minute silence to honour the departed souls. It was attended by Vidit Chaudhary, secretary of AICC, Chandigarh unit president HS Lucky, and other senior Congress leaders. Condemning the killings, Patil said the spectacle of a young newlywed woman grieving uncontrollably beside the dead body of her husband shook all of us inside out. She said that Congressmen, who lost their great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Indira, and Rajiv Gandhi to terror attacks in the past, fully understand the pain and agony of families of those who lost their loved ones in the senseless act. She also said the Congress stands with the govt of India in this hour of crisis and demands the strictest punishment for the handlers of the terrorists. Expressing grief, Vidit Chaudhary said no one should be allowed to politicise the tragic incident to promote communal politics in the country. He appealed to the people of all religions, castes, and creeds to unite to root out terrorism, which is against all religions and humanity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Speaking on the occasion, HS Lucky said the party made preparations for holding a 'Save Constitution rally', which was postponed due to the tragedy that struck on Tuesday. He called upon the city residents to maintain peace and communal harmony and stand in solidarity with the families of the victims.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Chandigarh administration reduces property tax hike after outrage
CHANDIGARH : Following outrage among all sections of society, the Chandigarh administration on Wednesday slightly reduced the hike in property tax rates, announced on March 31 and implemented from April 1. The UT had gone ahead with steep hike in tax rates for both commercial and residential properties. The UT local bodies department issued the notification of revised property tax rates on Wednesday evening, giving some relief to taxpayers. As per the revised notification, 3 times hike in property tax on residential properties was reduced to two times. In the commercial segment, 6% of the annual rateable value was decreased to 5%. In case of Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) flats, Cooperative House Building Societies, and other residential flats (excluding SCFs), having a total covered area of 500 square feet and above within MC limits (irrespective of zones), the revised rate of the total covered area was decreased to Rs 2 per square foot from Rs 3 per square foot for the current financial year of 2025-2026. Residential taxpayers from Sector 1 to Sector 19 and Sector 26 to 28 will now have to pay Rs 5 per square yard on the vacant plot area and Rs 2.50 per square foot on the total covered area on all the floors. Earlier, it was Rs 7.5 per square yard on the vacant plot area and Rs 3.75 on the total covered area on all the floors. Taxpayers from Sector 20 to sector 25, sector 29 to 38, Modern Housing Complex Manimajra Industrial areas, and all SCFs situated within MC limits will now have to pay Rs 4 per square yard on the vacant plot area and Rs 2 per square foot on the total covered area on all the floors. Earlier, it was Rs 6 per square yard on the vacant plot area and Rs 3 per square foot on the total covered area on all the floors. MC's annual earning to come down With this revision in property tax in residential and commercial segments, the Chandigarh municipal corporation expects to earn approximately Rs 70 crore in annual revenue instead of the earlier expected Rs 90 crore. As per records, there are around 1.42 lakh properties in Chandigarh. Out of these, around 1.12 lakh properties are residential and the remaining 30,000 are commercial properties. 'It's all due to BJP' The BJP said the decrease in property tax hike is the result of party's efforts. The BJP said mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, along with BJP leaders, persistently raised the issue of the steep property tax hike, voicing concerns of the common people and tirelessly advocating for their financial well-being. The matter was taken up at multiple levels, with continuous dialogue and meetings involving residents, traders, public representatives, and Chandigarh administration. 'UT, BJP was on backfoot' Not satisfied with the tax hike reduction, Chandigarh Congress demanded a complete rollback of the hike. Chandigarh Congress president H S Lucky said Congress demands a complete rollback of the increased property tax as it was hiked arbitrarily without following due procedure. "This much reduction has also happened because of the sustained pressure built by Chandigarh Congress and general public. The BJP and Chandigarh administration were on the backfoot because of the continuous agitation launched by the Congress," he said. MP demands complete rollback Terming the way the UT first made a steep hike and then slightly reduced the tax as arbitrary and not in accordance with processes and procedures, Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari demanded a complete rollback of the tax hike and asked the UT to give a 30% budget share to the MC. He said, "Property taxes were levied without any structured consultation with public representatives or the people of Chandigarh acting through their respective RWAs. The tax proposals were never placed before or deliberated by the house tax committee or general house of the MC. The relevant agenda item was placed before the house and then withdrawn without an iota of discussion. "The Chandigarh Administration imposed the house tax suo moto and has now reduced it suo moto. Due process of consultation, deliberation, and discussion was never followed when the original notification was promulgated. This is precisely what happened when the Chandigarh Administration, without hearing the General House of the MC, annulled the free water resolution passed by the General House of the Municipal Corporation, which was in turn annulled by the General House of the Municipal Corporation subsequently. That matter now rests in a state of splendid animation," he said. Tewari said, "The Congress demands the complete rollback of the property tax levied and demands that 30% of the funds received by the Chandigarh administration via the Union Budget must be an automatic pass-through to the MC without any hindrance, as is the norm laid down by various Finance Commissions."
