17 - 04 - 2020
CREDAI Bengal Daily News Update | 17.04.20
WEST BENGAL NEWS
West Bengal launches e-registration of property documents
The move is aimed at reopening revenue channels for the government that has become
cash starved following the lockdown. It has offered a discount in registration fee for those
who undertake this before May 31.
The state on Thursday introduced e-registration of property documents so that a part of the
registration process, including verification of documents and payment of stamp duty, can be
done online from home.
The move is aimed at reopening revenue channels for the government that has become cash
starved following the lockdown. It has offered a discount in registration fee for those who
undertake this before May 31.
Developers said it could help them register agreements of sale for deals concluded prior to
lockdown so that they could collect payments from customers. Also, developers who have
completed projects but were unable to hand over the property to customers despite completion
certificate can now register the sale deed.
Chief secretary Rajiva Sinha said, “This is an emergency situation and considering the urgency
of property registration the state will start the e-registration process where the people can
submit their entire e-deed online and they will be provided with a provisional digital certificate.
This certificate will be valid everywhere.”
To complete the biometric identification required to complete the registration process, people
will have to visit the registration office after the lockdown is withdrawn. Sources said in case of
bulk deed, an official from the registration directorate would visit the appointed location of the
location of registrants to complete the process and deliver the deeds. The state cabinet also
decided to give a reduction of 20% registration fees with a ceiling of Rs 20,000 to people who
will avail of this new system till May 31.
Nandu Belani, president of Credai Bengal, said the move would help cash-strapped developers
to also collect funds. Credai West Bengal president Sushil Mohta called for greater awareness
about the e-registration process.
________________________________________________________________
Newspaper/Online ET Realty (Online)
Date April 17, 2020
Link https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/technology/west-bengal-
launches-e-registration-of-property-documents/75192309
OTHER NEWS
RBI cuts reverse repo rate by 25 bps to 3.75%: Key points
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday addressed the media amid the
ongoing coronavirus crisis. This comes just a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss contours of a proposed stimulus package
to kick-start India's stalled economy.
* Under liquidity adjustment facility (LAF), reverse repo raate (rate at which RBI borrows
funds from banks) reduced by 25 basis points (bps) to 3.75%; repo rate -- rate at which RBI
lends money to banks unchanged (4.40%) as the decision is taken by the MPC (Monetary
Policy Committee)
* RBI's Rs 50,000 crore liquidity support: Rs 25,000 crore for NABARD (National Bank for
Agriculture and Rural Development) Rs 15,000 crore for Sidbi (Small Industries Development
Bank of India); Rs 10,000 crore for NHB (National Housing Bank)
* 90-day NPA (non-performing asset) norm not to apply on moratorium granted on existing
loans by banks
* LCR (liquidity coverage ratio) requirement of banks brought down to 80% from 100%; to be
restored in phases by April next year
* Banks not to make any further dividend payout in view of financial difficulties arising from
Covid-Covid-19
* In the period ahead, inflation could even recede further, barring of course any supply side
disruptions and may even settle well below the target of 4 per cent by the second half of 2020-
21
* Covid-19: RBI has been very proactive and monitoring the situation very closely; it will
monitor evolving situation continuously and use all its tool to deal with pandemic fallout
* On IMF projection: India is expected to post sharp turnaround in 2021-22
* IMF projection of 1.9% GDP growth for India is highest in India is highest in G20
* Impact of Covid-19 not captured in IIP (index of industrial production) data for February
* Automobile production, sales declined sharply in March; electricity demand has fallen sharply
* Contraction in exports in March at 34.6% much more severe than global financial crisis of
2008-09
Newspaper/Online The Times Of India(Online)
Date April 17, 2020
Link https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/rbi-governor-
shaktikanta-das-media-address-key-points/articleshow/75193072.cms
* No downtime of internet or mobile banking during lockdown; banking operations normal,
* Surplus liquidity in banking system has increased substantially as result of central bank
actions
* Frontline workers (doctors/nurses/social) have shown a great work
This is the RBI governor's second press briefing since the Covid-19 outbreak. In his previous
address on March 27, he had announced a rate cut of 75 bps. The extension of the lockdown till
May 3 has triggered fresh demands for a stimulus as companies are finding it difficult to pay
salaries and meet other costs because of the loss of a large part of their revenue. _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Coronavirus Lockdown 2.0 Guidelines | All about restarting
construction activity with conditions
Well-funded projects, including infrastructure projects are likely to see immediate
construction activity after the lockdown is lifted
Offering some relief to the construction sector, the government on April 15 relaxed guidelines
for lockdown 2.0 permitting some construction activity in the non-COVID-19 hotspots starting
April 20. However, this is only provided strict social distancing guidelines are followed and
construction workers are locally available on the site.
Real estate experts said the resumption of construction activity from April 20 onwards, would
send out a positive message to both investors, occupiers and homebuyers. It would ensure
healthy cashflows at least for projects that are close to completion and unlock further
investment potential.
Also, it is the well-funded projects that are likely to see immediate construction activity after
lockdown is lifted. Developers will first look to start with projects that are already nearing
completion to generate positive cashflows. Public infrastructure projects are also likely to take
off first.
According to KPMG, total construction projects worth more than Rs 59 lakh crore are under
development, most of which would have been impacted severely by COVID-19. The Indian
construction sector employs over 49 million people, close to 12 percent of the nation’s working
population. Further, it has a multiplier effect on nearly 250 allied industries.
Newspaper/Online Money Control(Online)
Date April 15, 2020
Link
https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/real-estate/coronavirus-lockdown-2-
0-guidelines-all-about-restarting-construction-activity-with-conditions-
5148741.html
on project sites, even with a limited workforce, is certainly welcome. That said, since many
migrant workers had left for their villages post lockdown 1.0 announcement, we will have to
wait and see how many are actually left back to resume work. Migrant workers comprise at
least 80 percent share of the total 44 million workforce in the construction sector currently,”
said Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Property Consultants.
As far as construction activity in non-hotspots is concerned, developers will need to focus on
resuming construction on projects that are already nearing completion and have a completion
deadline within 2020.
Chairman and MD, Hiranandani Group and National President - NAREDCO said, “The real
estate industry acknowledges the positive impact this will have in handling the migrant crisis
and avoiding an economic crisis. Allowing phase-wise reopening of economic activity with
precautions being adhered to is the right step to refuel the economic growth trajectory of the
country. With this economic activity will be resumed. Considering the estimated loss of Rs
26,000 crore per day to the Indian economy as a result of the lockdown, this relaxation of lifting
the lockdown is a constructive step.”
Under the new guidelines, transportation of goods without any distinction of essential or non-
essential has also been allowed. This means that developers can procure raw material to restart
work.
After the lockdown, there would be immediate traction from existing buyers. "Even a
conditional and limited resumption of construction work would provide some reprieve, help
eradicate a further six-month delay and ensure that losses are reduced by 30 to 40 percent," said
Pankaj Forais, Founder and Managing Director, Liases Foras.
How do you maintain social distancing in the real estate sector?
Under the fresh guidelines, contractors along with developers will need to ensure that social
distancing is maintained at the sites and will need to find ways and means of achieving it. For
basic hygiene and safety precautions, companies can regularly sanitize sites and provide
labourers with masks, soap and sanitizers for washing hands frequently.
This surely will change the rules of the real estate sector. The focus of developments going
forward, assuming construction activity will be allowed to resume, would be on three ‘S’-
screening, sanitation and sanitization of labourers, labour camps and construction sites.
“A graded approach is the key to the success of enforcing discipline across construction sites.
As the workforce gets ramped up on construction sites the full rigours of screening,
infrastructure and protocols will be available to manage the pace of developments,” explained
Indranil Basu, Director, Project Management, (South India) Colliers International.
The number of labourers that need to be employed at the project site will have to be assessed
basis the stage of construction the project is in and the category of the project.
“A graded approach is not about starting construction at breakneck speed. Planning will hold
the key. Plan your work priorities, enforce proper work environment and infrastructure,
screening and sanitation measures, and augment workforce with the focus on critical activities,”
he said.
Real estate projects would have to be assessed based on the stage of construction that they are
currently in, and also on the asset class of the project. “The approach for restarting a
commercial project would vary from that of a residential or an industrial project. The number of
labourers deployed at a residential project site is generally more than the number deployed in an
industrial development where the focus is more on mechanization,” he said.
Also, if a project is in a structure stage, the number of labourers required at the site would be
much more. Therefore, the developer would have to focus more on screening them at regular
intervals. However, if the project has moved beyond the structure stage, there is every
possibility of less workforce and more skilled labour to be employed.
It should be remembered that the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade had
earlier suggested to the Ministry of Home Affairs in a letter that “housing and construction
sectors need to be allowed if the labourers stay at the sites with all facilities and safeguards,
contractors shall ensure safety sanitation and distancing norms.”
“It is felt that certain more activities with reasonable safeguards should be allowed once a final
decision regarding extension and nature of lockdown is taken by the Central government,” it
had said.
The Uttar Pradesh government has also decided to resume construction work on government
projects from April 15 provided social distancing norms are followed at the sites.
What does it mean for the real estate sector?
Real estate developers pointed out that some work could actually restart from April 20 keeping
social distancing norms in place as most sites do have material that would last about 10 to 15
days.
“This may be a good move because the workers that are currently on-site and have not returned
to their villages will be occupied, projects that are ready for possession can be handed over and
things can move forward. One will have to ensure sanitation and social distancing measures at
all times,” said Satish Magar, President, CREDAI, National.
Amit Modi, CREDAI, Western UP, president (elect), said that to resume construction work, the
entire supply chain needs to be revived. “You need all processes and the team comprising
workers, engineers, architects in place to restart work. A developer would also have to assess
the condition of the material left on site before he decides to resume work.”
Credai is planning to come out with a social distancing manual in the next eight to 10 days.
How will project rules change?
All real estate companies would have to enforce social distancing norms going forward.
Colliers International India is in the process of putting together a white paper on how real estate
stakeholders should implement social distancing norms on construction sites.
“This will bring about a shift in how we go about doing real estate business in India,” said Basu.
“Screening would have to be increased on construction sites, in buffer zones, in labour camps
and even construction premises. Disinfection would have to be carried out in compliance with
WHO guidelines. Labour welfare strategies would hold the key. The need will be to enforce a
zero-tolerance policy to implement this. We will advocate the need to deploy safety marshalls to
conduct these measures in a disciplined and process-driven manner,” he said.
For very large projects, clients will benefit by deputing ambulances on construction sites; there
would be regular visits by doctors in labour sites. Being prepared is important and measures as
these will ensure that works do not get stopped.
“This is important when you are opening up construction sites in a graded manner,” he said.
Some consultancy firms have also advocated that developers increase focus on mechanization
and rely on pre-engineered products and solutions.
Projects near financial closure, infrastructure projects may see traction
There are two types of projects – government and private where construction activity came to a
grinding halt post the lockdown. Most projects – infrastructure or residential – which already
has financial closure would see traction first. This is important to boost the confidence of
homebuyers and investors.
“Projects that were nearing closure will continue. Both infrastructure and industrial projects will
move ahead – those fundamentals will not change. This abrupt stop will not alter the dynamics
of these projects. That’s what the UP government has done by announcing that construction
work on government projects would continue after May 15,” said a real estate expert.
Samantak Das, Chief Economist and Head of Research in JLL is of the opinion that de-
densification should be the key for all construction sites going forward.
Also, since private investments may take time to resume, the government should focus on
spending on infrastructure activity to generate employment and keep the economy afloat.
“It should pump in money for public projects such as roads, highways, metro and even
affordable housing but implement social distancing norms along the way. That will hold the
key,” he said.
____________________________________________________________________
Covid-19 impact: Real estate sentiment at historic low, says Knight
Frank-Ficci-Naredco survey
Even while the government and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have provided some
stimulus, further support may be required to help real estate and for the economy to stay
afloat during the crisis.
India’s real estate sector, which has been facing multiple headwinds in the past few years, got
further mauled by the Covid-29 pandemic with industry sentiments hitting a historic low during
the January-March 2020 quarter mirroring domestic and global economic concerns, a survey
report said.
The Knight Frank-Ficci-Naredco real estate sentiment index Q1 2020 survey shows that current
sentiments of real estate stakeholders have nosedived to an all-time low of 31. “The survey
further indicates that future sentiment score outlining the industries’ market expectations has
also dipped well into the pessimistic zone at a score of 36 in Q1 2020 against the score of 59 in
Q4 2019 calendar year (CY),” the report said.
For comparison sake, a score of more than 50 signifies ‘optimism’ in sentiments, while 50
means the sentiment is ‘same’ or ‘neutral’, and a score below 50 signifies ‘pessimism’. The real
estate industry that had just about started showing some signs of revival during the last quarter
of 2019 suffered a severe setback due to the ongoing novel corona virus (Covid-19) epidemic, it
added.
The score had revived in Q4 2019 CY after being in pessimistic zone (below 50 mark) for two
back-to-back quarters, but was short-lived, as the current sentiment score fell to 31 in January-
March 2020. The stakeholder’s mood with regards to overall economy and real estate had been
in pessimistic zone in Q2 and Q3 2019 due to the credit squeeze and economic slowdown. But,
a slew of measures announced by the government to revive realty saw Q4 2019 infusing
confidence in the market.
The creation of a stressed asset fund (AIF) of Rs 25,000 crore to provide last mile funding to
stalled affordable housing projects was a welcome step in this direction. However, the outbreak
Newspaper/Online Financial Express (Online)
Date April 17, 2020
Link https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/covid-29-impact-real-estate-sentiment-
at-historic-low-says-knight-frank-ficci-naredco-survey/1930997/
has marred sentiments again. Knight Frank India chairman & MD Shishir Baijal said the
pandemic has created an unprecedented condition, which is impacting global markets and
societies. There is already a severe shortage of liquidity due to the complete standstill that most
economies have come to.
Even while the government and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have provided some stimulus,
further support may be required to help real estate and for the economy to stay afloat during the
crisis. Managing liquidity and sustaining through the length of this pandemic will be critical for
economic survival in the post-pandemic era, he added.
“Real estate segment specifically will have a longer journey to make. This crisis has retracted
the end-user confidence to its lowest levels ever, which will push any kind of real estate
purchase decisions to the distant future. The already ailing real estate sector has been crippled
with this pandemic, making it imperative for government support to bring it back on track,”
Baijal pointed out. ____________________________________________________________________________________
Stringent GST rules make path tough for construction sector;
here’s what changed real estate economy
GST has over-emphasized the compliance requirements which are still in evolutionary
stages posing regular threats to the compliance teams of the taxpayer.
Goods and Services Tax was introduced on the midnight of 1st July 2017 with the objective of
“one nation, one market, one tax” fused a large number of Central and State taxes into a single
tax. The single biggest indirect tax regime kicked into force, dismantling all the inter-state
barriers with respect to trade. The GST rollout, with a single stroke, converted India into a
unified market of 1.3 billion citizens. The construction industry is an imperative pillar of the
Indian economy and has seen phenomenal growth, not just in urban cities, but even in rural
towns as well. After the closing of the financial year 2019-20, we shall take a look back and
determine the impact of GST on the entire sector.
GST, as equated to earlier regime hiked the rate of tax for the construction sector from 15
percent (service tax regime) to 18 percent. However, deduction of land value equivalent to one-
third of the total amount charged by the developer for GST calculation has been allowed. This
resulted in an effective GST rate is of 12 percent. For the sake of simplification and
rationalization of tax rates especially for the residential real estate sector, the Government in
April 2019 revised the tax structure under GST to increase the demand and to reduce the burden
of tax on the end customer. GST Council provided this a one-time option to ongoing projects
where construction and bookings started before 1st April 2019. This one-time option will allow
the promoters to continue tax payment at old rates of 8% or 12% with ITC or to opt for new tax
rates of 1%/ 5% without ITC.
This change in tax rates and ITC mechanism pushed the real-estate economy in a mode of
reboot whereby demand and supply functions were in motion to find the new equilibrium
prices. Government-issued multiple clarifications in the month of April 2019 to smoothen out
the interpretational aspects of this new change.
Newspaper/Online Financial Express (Online)
Date April 16, 2020
Link https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/stringent-gst-rules-make-path-tough-
for-construction-sector-heres-what-changed-real-estate-economy/1930329/
Constructed properties
It is a point of notice that GST was neither applicable in the past nor would be applicable in the
future on sale of constructed structures sold after issuance of completion certificate. Thereby
there is no impact on the taxation on the same except physicological factors.
Litigation
GST is in nascent stages and litigation is bound to happen in every nook and corner of the
country due to lack of jurisprudence on the subject, training of tax officers and knowledge of
taxpayers/ tax professionals. The construction industry would also be no different, in fact, due
to the sheer nature of operations, it is expected to see more than its fair share of litigations
arising from distrust in minds of policymakers and tax officers.
In one of such cases 100+ home buyers, in case of Sukhbir Rohilla v. Pyramid Infratech (P.)
Ltd, filed a complaint against the builder before the Haryana State Screening Committee under
anti-profiteering laws of GST. They contended that Input Tax Credit on account of GST paid on
construction services was not passed to the applicants. The case finally reached National anti-
profiteering authority whereby it was held that the builder was guilty of profiteering.
The advance rulings on issues related to construction have witnessed a sudden hike in the GST
regime. One important ruling was given in case of Maruti Ispat & Energy (P.) Ltd., wherein it
was ruled that no GST input tax credit of civil structure would be available even if the same is
used for support of plant and machinery. This led to an immediate increase in the cost of
construction by 18%, as the credit became unavailable. This denial would force recipients to
innovate new methods of procurement where credit would be available or they may fall back to
the unorganised sector for procurements leading to massive tax evasion and the further downfall
of the organized sector.
Many more judgments and ruling have been pronounced in kith and kin of the construction
industry adding to the menace of litigations. With the rapidly changing tax provisions and
issuance of notification on the subject it is expected that in the coming years, the number of
litigations would continuously increase.
Structural changes in taxation
GST has over-emphasized the compliance requirements which are still in evolutionary stages
posing regular threats to the compliance teams of the taxpayer. From April 2019 the
government made numerous changes in the taxation of real estate which includes denial of tax
credits, change the definition of “affordable housing” and the applicability of reverse charge on
purchases from unregistered taxpayers. Such structural changes have a negative impact on the
cash strapped and an over-regulated industry.
Stamp duty
Legislation of stamp duty has similar issues that existed in erstwhile indirect tax regime namely,
the multiplicity of rules/regulations, differential tax rates in different states, manual processes,
cascading effect of payments etc. Ideally speaking, stamp duty legislation should also have been
subsumed under GST, so as to push the use of common digital infrastructure in reporting and
payments. Hope the government would push the agenda of “One nation, one stamp duty” and
we would witness the same.
Indian real estate and construction sectors have witnessed numerous ups and downs with
various reforms being implemented. But today the sector is struggling to survive under a
stringent legal and competitive environment. Further, this sector is also not untouched from the
wrath of Covid-19. The industry is completely shut down till the lockdown is over. Not only
small companies but also massive corporates are facing the heat. The Indian construction
industry is one of the major contributors to the economic and social growth of the nation and
thereby it is the inherent duty of government to support the livelihood of millions by extending
sops by announcing a relief package for the industry during these challenging times. ____________________________________________________________________________________
ICICI, other banks seek rent waivers
ICICI Bank has nearly 5,300 branches and over 15,000 ATMs across the country and a
large number of them are on rented premises.
ICICI Bank and other private lenders are understood to have reached out to their landlords
seeking a waiver of rental for the period of the lockdown.
Sources said that ICICI Bank has asked operating offices to seek a waiver from their landlords
as a measure of support to the bank, given the disruption caused by Covid-19. Other private
lenders are also seeking waivers, sources said.
ICICI Bank has nearly 5,300 branches and over 15,000 ATMs across the country and a large
number of them are on rented premises. Waiver of even a month’s rent would enable the bank
to save several crores. According to the bank’s annual report, it spent nearly Rs 1,200 crore in
rent, electricity and taxes.
The bank did not respond to a query from TOI.
“If the agreement has a force majeure clause which provides for waiver of rent during that
period, then the tenant would have the right to invoke that clause and seek a waiver of the rent
for that period,” said Rohit Shetty, a senior advocate specialising in real estate laws. If there is
no such clause, the parties would have to abide by the terms of the agreement. “If the tenant
wants to renegotiate, they can make a proposal, but it is up to the landlord to accept or not,” said
Shetty.According to Kunal Moktan, co-founder and CEO of Property Share Capital, a lockdown
cannot be constituted as a force majeure, particularly when banks have been functioning and
using premises for their IT systems, which have remained operational.
“While one can understand retail establishments wanting to negotiate since revenues are
directly linked to the store, it is unfair for offices not to pay. Ultimately, landlords also need to
meet their obligations to employees, contractors and vendors,” he added. Property Share has a
Rs 330-crore real estate portfolio, which is tenanted by mostly multinationals, all of who have
met their obligations.
________________________________________________________________
Newspaper/Online ET Realty (Online)
Date April 17, 2020
Link https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/commercial/icici-other-banks-
seek-rent-waivers/75192258
Housing sector will have to change post Covid-19: CSE
Liveability and thermal comfort of houses for all income classes have drawn attention
during the lockdown, points out a recent analysis of the housing sector carried out by the
Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).
The current public health emergency has reinforced the fact that housing sector policy and
interventions will have to change in the post-pandemic period for healthy living. Liveability and
thermal comfort of houses for all income classes have drawn attention during the lockdown,
points out a recent analysis of the housing sector carried out by the Centre for Science and
Environment (CSE).
A study titled ‘Beyond the four walls of PMAY: Resource efficiency, thermal comfort and
liveability in the affordable housing sector’, was released on Thursday by CSE’s executive
director (research and advocacy) Anumita Roychowdhury and programme director (sustainable
buildings and habitat programme) Rajneesh Sareen.
The study says that while trapped stale air in ill-designed thermally uncomfortable air-
conditioned houses can foster infectious diseases, overcrowding in lower income households
with no ventilation creates more risks for the urban poor. The current public health emergency
has reinforced the fact that housing sector policy and interventions will have to change in post-
pandemic period.
The ongoing implementation of affordable housing programmes Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
for urban areas (PMAY-U) and reviews of the design and performance of affordable housing
units at the state level have been captured in this study.
While the latest estimates of Union urban housing ministry puts the national housing demand at
11.2 million, unofficial estimates report a higher housing demand. In current times of social
distancing, crowded dwellings can be a bigger threat to health.
The technical group on urban housing shortage has estimated that around 80% of the nation’s
housing demand comes from congestion or overcrowding in houses. A house is defined
overcrowded in India when a married couple does not have a separate room. To this is added
homelessness, building rejection, and non-serviceability of buildings.
CSE study recommended to introduce more comprehensive guidelines and mandates on
material and architectural design to improve thermal comfort of buildings and reduce air-
Newspaper/Online ET Realty (Online)
Date April 17, 2020
Link https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/housing-sector-will-
have-to-change-post-covid-19-cse/75192278
conditioned hours for energy savings and healthy living.
________________________________________________________________
Credai Tamil Nadu urges government to allow transportation of
construction materials
A Credai delegation met deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam, who holds housing and
urban development department portfolio, on Wednesday seeking to commence
construction work.
On the day when the Union home ministry allowed resumption of building construction
projects, the Tamil Nadu chapter of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association
of India (Credai) sought the state government to ease transportation of construction materials.
A Credai delegation met deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam, who holds housing and urban
development department portfolio, on Wednesday seeking to commence construction work.
Stressing that social distancing would be maintained along with other norms for workers, the
developer's body demanded permit for movement of steel and cement to the construction sites.
Earlier in the day, the Union home affairs released the consolidated revised guidelines for the
lockdown, which allowed continuation of work in construction projects within the limits of
municipal corporations and municipalities, where workers are available on site and no labourers
are required to be brought in from outside.
_______________________________________________________________________
Newspaper/Online ET Realty (Online)
Date April 16, 2020
Link https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/credai-tamil-nadu-
urges-government-to-allow-transportation-of-construction-materials/75172868
More time to property tax in Chandigarh
Municipal commissioner K K Yadav issued orders in this regard on Tuesday, after
assessing the situation with the tax branch of the civic body.
Giving relief to thousands of residential and commercial property owners, who are yet to pay
the property tax for the last financial year, the Chandigarh municipal corporation has extended
the date for the same for an indefinite period. The move comes in the wake of extension of
lockdown until May 3. Earlier, April 14 was the last day for payment of proper tax.
Municipal commissioner K K Yadav issued orders in this regard on Tuesday, after assessing the
situation with the tax branch of the civic body. As per the corporation records, there are over
5,000 owners of residential and commercial properties, who are yet to pay the tax for the last
financial year, ended March 31.
“Due to the closure of the e-Sampark centres in view of outbreak of Covid-19 and indefinite
curfew…the due date for payment of property tax bills of the assesses whose due date falls
between 23rd March and 31st March is hereby extended till further orders, so as to avoid any
inconvenience to the general public,” reads the order.
A civic body official said, “Since we had issued over 500 notices of attachment to those, who
did not pay the tax money even after service of notice to seal their properties, such people have
also been given more time. As the Prime Minister has announced lockdown till May 3.
________________________________________________________________
Newspaper/Online ET Realty (Online)
Date April 16, 2020
Link https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/regulatory/more-time-to-
property-tax-in-chandigarh/75184567
Mangaluru civic body to roll out online payment of property tax
soon
The breather that urban development department has given to tax payers to pay their
property tax in May while allowing them to avail the 5% rebate, normally given for tax
payments done in April, too is expected to give MCC time to push this project to its logical
end.
Nationwide lock down has come in handy for Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to move
forward its project of computerisation of property tax records.
The breather that urban development department has given to tax payers to pay their property
tax in May while allowing them to avail the 5% rebate, normally given for tax payments done in
April, too is expected to give MCC time to push this project to its logical end.
Admitting that lockdown has given the revenue department to focus on this project even with
limited staff at his disposal, Santosh Kumar, deputy commissioner (administration), MCC, also
holding charge as DC (revenue) told TOI that the civic body is gearing up for both manual and
online modes of tax collection. “The focus with pandemic going on is to go digital with our tax
collection and MCC is striving to get the same completed at the earliest,” he said.
Data entry work on past property tax paid is presently on. “We are using tax receipts to compile
the same,” Santosh said. “We have already pitched the digital payment idea with taxation,
finance and appeals standing committee and the Mayor,” he said, adding the move will require
post-facto approval of the council in its maiden meeting. The proposed digital move will also
come with an online tax calculator that will help in ease of payments, he said.
At the same time, the civic body has also drawn up plans to conduct a property tax returns mela
at the Town Hall by following social distancing norms where people may pay their taxes either
manually or online, as per their preference. In one such similar drive conducted at the venue,
MCC collected Rs 10 lakh by way of trade license, Santosh said, adding the idea for a similar
approach to mopping up revenue by way of property tax is in the works.
Asserting that a final picture will emerge once the lockdown ends on May 3, Santosh said MCC
collected 40% of its property tax during 2019-20. Incidentally, MCC has been toying with idea
of introducing online payment of taxes from time that Sameer Shukla became the first IAS
officer to take charge as MCC commissioner. The civic body has made computerisation of its
office operations a flagship programme under different mayors since then.
________________________________________________________________
Newspaper/Online ET Realty (Online)
Date April 16, 2020
Link https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/technology/mangaluru-civic-
body-to-roll-out-online-payment-of-property-tax-soon/75185212
Jaipur development body to develop quarantine centres in 5,800
RHB flats
The civic body will develop 1,400 rooms in Dastakar Yojana in 700 houses. Similarly,
4,400 rooms in 1,500 flats will be developed in Mahala on Ajmer Road.
The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has started an exercise to develop quarantine centres
in the district on a massive scale. Nearly 5,800 flats of Rajasthan Housing Board (RHB) have
been identified for the purpose on Wednesday.
RHB commissioner Pawan Arora said, “The board will develop 5,800-room capacity quarantine
centres to shelter the suspects. These quarantine centres will be developed in Dastakar Yojana at
Naila, Agra Road and the multi-storied flats built in the village Mahala on Ajmer Road,” he
said.
The civic body will develop 1,400 rooms in Dastakar Yojana in 700 houses. Similarly, 4,400
rooms in 1,500 flats will be developed in Mahala on Ajmer Road. Unlike the district
administration, the JDA has adopted a different strategy to zero in on quarantine centres for the
residents. The JDA is looking for buildings that have rooms to accommodate more than 300
people. The civic body is ensuring that these buildings are 20-25 km away from the city. Also,
people who are sent to quarantine do not stay in one big hall.
Sources said the buildings identified by the district administration were inside the city in
densely populated areas. Locals objected to these quarantine centres in the middle of dense
populations. Also, no building had the facility to accommodate more than 50 people. “First
priority is that building should be away from the densely populated areas,” said a source. With
the number of confirmed coronavirus cases is expected to increase, the JDA identified also 20
more private buildings in Jaipur. However, officials, refrained themselves from disclosing the
locations and names as owners approach government not to acquire their building for centres.
“Out of identified buildings, most are schools and colleges. After JDA identify the buildings,
the acquisition letter is issued by district collector. Many apply push and pull to escape from
acquisition,” said a source.
________________________________________________________________
Newspaper/Online ET Realty (Online)
Date April 16, 2020
Link https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/jaipur-development-
body-to-develop-quarantine-centres-in-5800-rhb-flats/75172892