Bandh Observed in Bagasara Against Tax Hike by Municipality

Amreli: Traders of Bagasara town today observed a bandh on the call of the Chamber of Commerce, protesting the tax hike implemented by the local municipality. Expressing their dissatisfaction, traders kept their shops closed, organized a rally, submitted a memorandum at the Mamlatdar’s office, and raised slogans. The bandh followed the municipality’s decision to increase taxes by ₹700.

Dineshbhai Hadiyal, President of the Bagasara Chamber of Commerce, stated that the tax hike on street lighting, water, and sanitation by the municipality prompted the submission of a memorandum and the call for a shutdown. He questioned how these expenses were managed in the past and criticized the sudden tax increase for underground drainage, street lighting, sanitation, and water.

On the other hand, the Chief Officer of Bagasara Municipality said that the tax had not been increased for many years. He explained that the underground sewage maintenance expenses are around ₹70 to ₹80 lakh, while the tax had remained nil until now. The tax for underground drainage has now been set at ₹250. He added that Bagasara Nagar Palika has been facing financial issues, even struggling to pay wages. This tax hike is necessary for the betterment of the Nagar Palika, which will ultimately benefit the people.

The new tax includes an increase of ₹50 for street lighting, ₹100 for sanitation, ₹250 for underground drainage, and ₹300 for water, totaling ₹700. DeshGujarat