The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (Second Amendment) Bill 2024, which provides an extension for those paying property tax, was passed by the Karnataka Assembly on Monday.
Among the eight Bills passed by the Assembly, the BBMP Bill replaces an ordinance issued by the state government earlier this year for a one-time settlement scheme for property tax dues. The Bill aims to ensure that all tax defaulters, unassessed properties and those liable for reassessment within BBMP limits clear their dues.
Under the scheme—whose last date was extended to November 29—property tax defaulters are exempt from paying interest on their dues and a penalty of Rs 100 per year for pending dues.
Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar, who piloted the Bill, said the scheme had helped the BBMP collect Rs 4,274 crore in taxes as of November 30, while the total pending dues stood at Rs 2,026 crore.
Another Bill passed is the Karnataka Tourism Ropeways Bill 2024, which aims to boost tourism by authorising, facilitating and regulating the construction and operation of ropeways. Ropeways are proposed in around 10 destinations, including Chamundi Hill in Mysuru, Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapur and Anjanadri Hills in Koppal. The Bill provides for the establishment of an advisory authority, licensing authority and monitoring agency for the construction and upkeep of ropeways.
Other Bills passed include the Karnataka Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2024, aimed at increasing security for investors against fraudulent ponzi and pyramid schemes; the Karnataka Goods and Services Tax Bill 2024, which implements the recommendations of the GST Council; and the Chanakya University (Amendment) Bill, which allows the Government to nominate a special expert to the Board of Governors.
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