SRINAGAR, FEB 20: Chamber of Commerce President, Arun Gupta talked about his take on the new property tax decision by the Government. According to him, Jammu and Kashmir hasn’t experienced much development which needs tax. He told that the decision shall be reconsidered and the Government should apply this after some more development.
He said “J&K has been facing issues since September last to last year. First, due to removal of article 370 and 35A and then the COVID-19 pandemic, the business of J&K decreased. Where people are still struggling to get up financially, this property tax rule came now. 40% of the business in Jammu depends on tourists. Due to the lockdown, pilgrims tourists stopped and there was a huge loss to the businessmen. Still, hotel and tourist industries are trying to cope up with the loss.”
“Comparing J&K with UTs is completely wrong. Chandigarh has a tourist of 5-7 lakhs per month where as Delhi has 10-20 lakh tourists visiting it. Jammu’s tourism is nothing if compared. Jammu’s Bus Stand inaugurated this year after 18 years. I think Government should wait for more development and then ask for property tax.” He added
The residents of J&K have shown resentment with the rule of property tax. According to them, J&K requires more development to become a smart city. If this happens, they would be happy to pay the property tax.
