GHMC issues red notices to boost property tax collections
HYDERABAD: With the financial year drawing to a close, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) has stepped up efforts to increase property tax collections by issuing red notices to defaulters.
Officials have begun identifying property owners with large arrears in zones and circles across the city. Red notices will also be issued to those who have not paid property tax so far. While some circles have already started serving the notices, others are preparing to follow suit.
Under the law, the civic body can initiate action, including sealing shops, against those who fail to clear dues within the deadline mentioned in the red notices.
Property Tax Programme yet to be announced this year
In previous years, the GHMC used to organise a special Property Tax Programme (PTP) every Sunday from February to March at all circle offices. The programme allowed citizens to raise issues such as incorrect assessment due to higher-than-actual built-up area, discrepancies in tax calculations, and cases where payments were made but not reflected in records.
Deputy commissioners and zonal commissioners, along with tax section officials, would participate and resolve grievances on the spot. This year, however, despite one Sunday in February having passed, the GHMC has not announced the programme.
Officials criticised for neglect of public grievances
Residents say the absence of the PTP has made it difficult to resolve long-pending property tax issues. Officials have been accused of neglecting the initiative for the past two years. In 2024, the programme was conducted only in March, despite being scheduled for two months. Last year, it began only in the last week of February.
There is uncertainty over whether the programme will be held at all this year, even as enforcement measures against defaulters intensify.
