Recovery of house tax arrears across the state has been a tough job with municipalities and panchayats losing crores of rupees on account of unpaid dues spanning over several years. In a move that would catch the big tax defaulters on the wrong foot, Margao Municipal Council has decided to upload on its official website names of all defaulters who are in the bracket of Rs 50,000 and above. The list compiled by the civic body has prominent business establishments and known names across the city. The seriousness with which the municipality is moving ahead with its tax arrears is evident from the fact that besides uploading of names, there are three teams constituted which will fan across the city moving door-to-door for recoveries, once the ongoing audit of accounts is complete.Most municipalities and panchayats across the states are facing similar issues of tax recoveries. There is a huge financial burden in some local bodies on one hand, while on the other side there is also a huge backlog of unrecovered tax. Other bodies should take a cue from Margao Municipal Council and crack the whip on tax defaulters. A list of big amounts pending over a long period of time should be put up, not only on website, but also in the premises. On the lines of MMC strategy, teams should be also moving door-to-door ensuring recoveries. Where there is a will, there is a way.
