Outstanding taxes of Ahmedabad district gram panchayats exceed ₹200 crore

The amount of outstanding taxes in the 465 gram panchayats of Ahmedabad district has exceeded ₹200 crore. Notices have been issued to approximately 300 Talati-cum-Mantris for failing to collect taxes. Among them, 27 Talatis who ignored the notices issued by the District Panchayat have been served final notices.

According to a report by Sandesh, new assessments are conducted every year in the district, and taxes are collected by accounting for new constructions. However, local leaders have alleged irregularities in the assessment and the accounting of new constructions. If a transparent calculation of the gram panchayats' taxes were conducted, the annual demand would likely exceed ₹100 crore, but due to the negligence or collusion of the Talatis, this figure has remained stagnant around ₹100 crore. Despite numerous new constructions in 465 villages across nine talukas, the tax amount has not increased.

Sources from the District Panchayat stated that so far this year, only about 20 per cent of the collection has been made, and it is only possible for this figure to reach 50 per cent by the end of the year. Despite issuing notices to the Talatis, laxity is being observed in collection; therefore, notices will now be sent to the concerned Taluka Development Officers (TDOs) seeking explanations. The District Development Officer has expressed displeasure regarding this matter, and in the coming days, a strict stance may be taken against the idle administration, with orders for departmental inquiries and action against TDOs being issued. Meanwhile, the cooperation of elected representatives is also necessary in tax collection, but members are showing no interest in this matter.

Gram panchayats are institutions responsible for administrative tasks and local development at the rural level.