Thane, April 1 Mukesh Mokashi, the BJP group leader in the Thane Municipal Corporation, has alleged that several commercial establishments in the city are still paying property tax at outdated rates and has demanded a survey to plug revenue “leakages”.
Mokashi, a former deputy mayor, made the demand during a discussion on the TMC budget on Tuesday.
“Many commercial units are still paying property tax at old gram panchayat rates. The civic administration must conduct a detailed survey of all such non-residential properties and levy taxes according to current norms,” he said.
He alleged that unauthorized construction and misuse of commercial spaces were taking place without strict action from the civic body.
Mokashi said areas such as Kothari Compound in Manpada, originally designated as warehouses, are now being used for furniture showrooms, hotels and other commercial activities.
“Similarly, unauthorized constructions have come up in Mohan Mill Compound, Upvan industrial areas, Nashik bypass service road in Majiwada and Navshibai Compound,” he said.
He urged corporators to cooperate with the administration to strengthen the civic body’s finances and scale up the budget to Rs 15,000 crore in the coming years.
The BJP leader also demanded the establishment of an old-age home for senior citizens living alone in the city and called for the construction of a "Kunbi Bhavan" on the lines of existing community halls.