Property Tax Revenue Increases by 30% in Gurgaon Not with standing Data Obstacles.

In comparison to the previous year, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) had a notable 30% rise in property tax revenue for the 2023–24 fiscal year. Reaching Rs 250 crore in collections is a significant start in the right direction. The MCG is still working to reach their entire goal of Rs 500 crore.

Causes of the Shortage in Collection:-

The deficiency in the collection of property taxes is caused by multiple sources. Inconsistencies in property tax data are a significant problem. A survey carried out in January 2022 revealed that 5.1 lakh homes fell under the purview of MCG. But locals said that false information, such as false plot sizes, resulted in exorbitant tax payments. As a result, numerous locals submitted online objections to correct their data, which hampered the process of gathering information.

MCG’s Efforts to Deal with the Problem

The MCG is acting to raise the accuracy of data and promote the payment of property taxes:

• Data correction: In response to resident concerns and official verification, the MCG is progressively updating data.
• Self-certification: On the state Urban Local Bodies (ULB) department’s no-dues certificate (NDC) portal, citizens can self-certify the information related to their property taxes and voice concerns. But until April 2nd, 2024, the gateway will be offline due to maintenance.
• Special camps: To make self-certification of property tax data easier, the MCG is organizing special camps in partnership with market organizations, resident welfare associations (RWAs), and citizen groups.

Tougher Penalties for Non-Payers

Additionally, the MCG is being more stern with individuals who fail to pay property taxes, especially if they owe more than Rs 1 lakh. Over 4,800 of these defaulters owing a total of Rs 160 crore as of March 22, 2024. The MCG has given them until March 31st to make payment; failing that, they will be subject to harsher penalties:

• Property sealing: The MCG will start sealing defaulters’ properties.
• Utilities will be disconnected: Defaulters’ water and sewer connections will be severed.

Rates and Incentives for Property Taxes

Depending on the size of the residential property land, Gurgaon has several property tax rates:

• Rs one per square yard up to 300 sq yards
• From 301 to 500 square feet, each square yard costs Rs 4.
• From 501 to 1,000 square feet: Six Rupees per square yard
• From 1,001 square feet to 2 acres: Seven Rupees per square yard
• Rs. 10 per square yard over two acres

Prior to March 31, 2024, the MCG granted a 100% waiver of interest penalties and a 15% rebate on property tax obligations for payments paid. This plan has probably come to an end.

Gazing Forward

The MCG has set a goal to earn Rs 250 crore in property taxes in the fiscal year 2024–2025. With the use of online self-certification alternatives, the resolution of data anomalies, and more stringent actions against defaulters, the MCG hopes to increase property tax collection and bring in much-needed cash for the city.

A Gurugram builder faces fines from Haryana RERA for using deceptive advertising.

Countrywide Promoters was fined Rs 50 lakh by Haryana RERA for using deceptive advertising. In accordance with the Deen Dayal Jan Awas Yojna Affordable planned Housing Policy of 2016, Countrywide Promoters Private Limited is building the reasonably priced planned colony Green Oaks in Gurugram’s Sector 70A.

RERA officials state that the Authority sent a show-cause notice to the promoter requesting a response after taking serious notice of the advertisement that was published on March 2, 2024.

Countrywide Promoters Private Limited faces a fine of Rs 50 Lakh from the Gurugram court of the Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA) for releasing a “misleading advertisement” regarding their real estate property, Green Oaks, in an English daily.

RERA officials state that the Authority sent a show-cause notice to the promoter requesting a response after taking serious notice of the advertisement that was published on March 2, 2024.

The Authority noted that the promoter failed to properly describe the details in the advertisement, which is a criminal offense, in violation of the mandatory regulations under Sections 11(2) and 13(1) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016.

“It is undeniably true that the promoter, Countrywide Promoters Pvt Ltd, published a deceptive advertisement in an attempt to prevent potential allottees from making an informed decision. Thus, in accordance with Section 61 of the RERA Act of 2016, the Authority hereby levies a penalty of Rs 50 lakh,” the RERA decision stated.

The two-page advertisement features an image of a garden/park (Garden of Dreams) on one full page and a picture of a club on the other, “which is not part of the project,” according to the Authority.

“However, the remainder of the advertisement highlights features like a squash court, a cutting-edge club house, a covered pool and spa, an outdoor library, revitalizing sculpted rocks, a coffee lounge counter, and other amenities that are obviously not included in the project. All of it is deceptive,” the directive said.

Following its RERA registration in 2021, Countrywide Promoters Private Limited is building the affordable plotted community Green Oaks at Sector 70A in Gurugram in accordance with the Deen Dayal Jan Awas Yojna Affordable Plotted Housing Policy 2016.

It is quite evident that the promoter has released a deceptive advertisement for a DDJAY planned colony, using seductive imagery to give the impression that the project includes a clubhouse and other amenities that are not actually included in the project.The RERA order stated, “No specifics, information, or images of the project’s actual layout or site plan have been provided to enable the prospective allottee to decide upon investing in the project.”

Additionally, the promoter has not changed the registration information to reflect the updated layout as shown in the Authority’s record, which shows the layout design as approved in 2021. Furthermore mentioned are the fact that the project began in 2021 and that the layout plan was updated in 2023. Third party rights were created prior to the amended layout plan being approved by DTCP, as can be seen from the promoter’s Quarterly Progress Report that was submitted before the layout plan was revised. Before making such adjustments, the promoter must have the approval of at least two thirds of the allottees in accordance with Section 14(2)(ii), according to the order.