BBMP employs one-time settlement scheme for edu institutions

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has introduced a one-time settlement scheme for educational institutions, requiring them to pay 25 per cent of the service fee by July 31.

Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath announced this initiative, urging institutions to clear pending service fees promptly. In a recent meeting at Town Hall, attended by representatives from medical and engineering colleges, Girinath emphasised the scheme's benefits.

The one-time settlement plan waives interest on overdue property taxes entirely and reduces penalties by 50 per cent. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on educational institutions and ensure compliance with BBMP regulations.

Educational institutions exempt from property tax were previously required to apply and gain approval to pay 25 per cent of the service fee. During this settlement period, institutions recognised by the government can pay service fees applicable from the period they are used for educational purposes.

This scheme remains valid only until July 31, and institutions can make payments online or offline. Girinath acknowledged the unique challenges faced by educational institutions regarding property tax payments. Modifications to the property tax software have created online payment difficulties.

To address this, BBMP provides an alternative payment method via Banker’s Check, Pay Order, or Demand Draft. Institutions can submit their pending service fees to the respective Zonal Joint Commissioners using these methods.

Key points discussed during the meeting included provisions for institutions already under the property tax net with SelfAssessment System (SAS) application numbers to pay 25 per cent of the service fee online.

Institutions yet to pay property tax or without an SAS application number must calculate 25 per cent of the service fee based on pending dues and submit the necessary documents to the Zonal Joint Commissioners.

The one-time settlement scheme, valid until July 31, provides complete interest waivers for all educational institutions within the BBMP jurisdiction, allowing them to pay 25 per cent of the service fee and benefit from reduced penalties.

Zonal Commissioners Karigowda, Ramya, and Joint Commissioner of Revenue Department Lakshmidevi, along with other officials, attended the meeting.