Bandh against property tax imposition against property tax imposition

11-03-2023 : On Saturday, a strike organized by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI) and the Yuva Rajput Sabha against the imposition of property tax resulted in a mixed response in Jammu. While some markets remained closed, many shopkeepers who had shut their establishments in the morning reopened them later in the day. Work in the high court and other subordinate courts was also affected as lawyers associated with the Jammu chapter of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association participated in the strike. Public transport, however, remained unaffected, and the All J&K Transport Welfare Association was not a part of the strike.

The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, stated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are wise and understand the situation well. He added that his doors are open for dialogue on the issue, and the interests of the people have been given priority while framing the rules. The Union Territory administration recently notified the imposition of property tax in municipal areas from April 1, with tax rates of 5% for residential properties and 6% for commercial properties.

Several opposition parties, including the National Conference, the Congress, the Democratic Azad Party, and the National Panthers Party, supported the strike. The Yuva Rajput Sabha also took out a peaceful march from Bohri to Talab Tiloo on the outskirts of the city, which was later stopped by police.

Regarding the property tax issue, Sinha stated that tax rates in Jammu and Kashmir are one-tenth of what people in Shimla, Ambala, and Dehradun pay. He clarified that there will be no tax on property in rural areas, and 40% of the population in urban areas will only have to pay around Rs 1000 annually. Similarly, for shops, 46% of shops fall below 100 square feet and will have to pay around Rs 700 annually, while 36,000 shopkeepers will pay only Rs 2000 annually on account of property tax. Sinha also stated that the administration has issued toll-free numbers to seek suggestions from the public and is open to dialogue on the issue.

Sinha did not comment on the all-parties meeting chaired by NC president Farooq Abdullah with property tax being one of the issues on the agenda, stating that he does not speak on political issues. He also refrained from commenting on the protests by job aspirants over hiring a previously blacklisted company for conducting computer-based written tests, as the issue is before the court.