BBMP expects over ?4,000 crore in taxes as OTS deadline nears

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

As the deadline to pay taxes via the One- Time Settlement (OTS) scheme approaches, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) expects to collect over ?4,000 crore in taxes, moving closer to its target of ?5,700 crore by March next year. BBMP Chief Tushar Girinath, addressing mediapersons on Monday, stated, “In the last five days, defaulters and those with revision cases have paid up their taxes.

As of Monday, we’ve collected ?3,251 crore.” When asked about a possible extension, Girinath assured that the deadline would remain Saturday, 30 November. “After meeting with zonal heads, we’re expecting to breach the ?4,000 crore mark,” he said, adding that demand drafts (DDs) may contribute approximately ?100 crore. He also noted that budget allocations for zones had commenced, with a significant portion likely to be directed towards road infrastructure. “It’s at the initial stages,” he added. Regarding a recent incident involving the death of a man due to a tree falling in a BBMP park in Rajajinagar, Girinath confirmed that a report had been prepared and necessary relief would be provided to the deceased’s family.

The man, identified as 31-year-old Laxman, a garbage truck driver, was sleeping in the park when the incident occurred. Additionally, discussions have emerged about incorporating yoga and Ayurveda into the Namma Clinics programme. “A few clinics already have this practice, and all the others can include them,” Girinath said.