The One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme launched by the Greater Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to address property tax arrears has seen limited uptake, despite offering substantial incentives. Only a fraction of eligible individuals have availed themselves of the scheme, which offers a 50% rebate on penalties and full waiver of interest.
Out of 3.95 lakh tax defaulters, just 20% have opted for the OTS scheme, resulting in a collection of Rs 100 crore against a target of Rs 733.71 crore. The scheme, which ends on July 31, aims to resolve outstanding tax dues efficiently.
BBMP officials expressed surprise at the subdued response despite extensive publicity efforts. Data reveals that as of July 1, only 70,402 defaulters out of nearly 4 lakh have benefited from the scheme, underscoring the challenge in recovering overdue taxes.
Ahead of the scheme’s closure, BBMP officials warned of stringent recovery measures, including potential property seizures and auctions. They emphasized that the current OTS scheme will not be extended and ruled out future similar initiatives.
We urge defaulters to settle their dues within the remaining 25 days to avoid legal actions, a BBMP official stressed, signaling impending recovery drives post July 31.
