AIADMK councillors oppose property tax hike, stage walkout in Erode

ERODE Condemning the steep increase in property tax, six AIADMK councillors staged a walkout from th

Condemning the steep increase in property tax, six AIADMK councillors staged a walkout from the Corporation’s urgent meeting here on Monday.

Mayor S. Nagarathinam chaired the meeting in which Deputy Mayor V. Selvaraj, Corporation Commissioner K. Sivakumar and councillors took part.

The AIADMK councillors, dressed in black, condemned the property tax hike to which DMK councillors said that it was first hiked during the AIADMK rule. This was opposed by the AIADMK councillors. This led to a war of words between both the parties. Following this, AIADMK councillors raised slogans, entered into an altercation with the Mayor and staged a walkout.

Later, many DMK councillors pointed out the shortage of conservancy workers in their respective wards and blamed the officials for not attending calls. They also drew the council’s attention to the delay in execution of the underground sewerage scheme and re-laying roads. A few councillors said the roads that were re-laid recently were again dug for works and wanted the officials to consult them while executing the works. They also wanted the Corporation parks that had remained closed for two years due to COVID-19 reopened and maintained. Other issues raised by the councillors include replacing street lights and providing drinking water service connection to all households.

Corporation Commissioner K. Sivakumar said the increase in the property tax rates ranged from 25% to 50% and on an average the hike for a house less than 600 sq ft would be ₹50. He also said the grievances raised by the councillors would be resolved and steps would be taken to appoint more conservancy workers. He said that additional funds were sought for completing works under dedicated water supply scheme and underground sewerage scheme.