Secunderabad Cantonment residents flag mortgage rules, extra taxes
SECUNDERABAD: As discussions continue about a possible merger with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Secunderabad Cantonment residents have raised concerns about a lack of democratic representation and unfair financial burdens. These concerns prompted a formal appeal to the Principal Director of Defence Estates, Southern Command.
In a letter to the Principal Director of Defence Estates, Southern Command C Ravindra, social activist Telukunta Satish Gupta listed three main worries from residents: no Board elections for more than ten years, tough mortgage rules for small property owners, and extra Transfer of Property Tax (TPT) charges that do not help the Cantonment.
The primary concern is the long absence of an elected body, with no Board elections since January 11, 2015, leaving residents without representation for nearly 12 years.
“It is a serious democratic concern. Elections are expected every five years according to the Constitution, and we have been deprived of a voice for 12 years,” the memorandum states. Residents report that this lack slows development and limits the resolution of civic issues, urging the Ministry of Defence to ensure prompt elections.
While respecting the Ministry’s authority over the merger proposal and its national security implications, residents have requested that any decision maintain both the strategic significance and unique civic character of Secunderabad Cantonment.
Another big worry is how building permissions are given. The letter points out a difference between the Cantonment and nearby GHMC areas. GHMC allows building on plots up to 240 square yards without needing a mortgage, but the Secunderabad Cantonment Board asks for mortgages even for small plots, some as small as 133 square yards.
Activists say this rule makes things harder for small and middle-class owners, since SCB already has rules for space and safety. The request is to have the mortgage rule only for plots bigger than 240 square yards, like GHMC does.
The letter highlights that TPT and mutation charges in GHMC areas total approximately 7.6%, while Cantonment residents pay about 11%, creating a 3.4% surcharge with no clear justification.
The representation alleges a significant change in how this extra revenue is used. Before Telangana state was formed in 2014, the additional TPT was credited to the Cantonment Board for local civic development. Since 2014, it is claimed, this surplus has been diverted to the State Government Treasury.
“It is understood that nearly Rs 100 crores intended for Cantonment civic infrastructure has not been made available locally,” the plea states, urging an immediate halt to the extra TPT to ease the financial burden.
In conclusion, Gupta urged the Principal Director to address mortgage rules, eliminate excess TPT charges, and hold democratic elections at the earliest. The representation was also sent to the Chief Executive Officer of the Cantonment Board.
The activist stated that timely action would relieve residents, restore trust, and improve local administration.
