I own a 3 bhk flat in GHMC Malkajgiri Circle.. This is my only immoveable possession.. Being a Army personnel (now retd since 2009) I prayed for exemption from house tax. It was approved since 2003 confirmed by the concerned tax collector and reconfirmed at the reception from the data entered in the main computer. However despite many visits I was not able to get a written copy of the approval from the GHMC officials, a matter brought to the notice of managers incl Dy Commissioner.
In disgust I applied for the same under RTI Act 2005 and was replied that in writing that along with others My flat is also exempted from paying house taxes since 2003. But this seems to have annoyed the authorities who are beneficiaries of the corrupt system of concealments as many of such properties have changed hands to non-eligible civilians but enjoying the tax exemption benefits kind courtesy corrupt Tax Collectors.
I needed the certificate recently to obtain a memoramdum of deeds for my Flat to Central Bank of India to obtain a student loan. The Sub Register Asked me to file a copy of the exemption certificate from the GHMC . I approached once again and met the officials and the new Dy Commissioner. I was surprised to see that house Tax since 2008-09 have been levied against me as per the entries in the compuer at the reception where it was till date showing Zero house tax thereby meaning exemption.
I confronted the tax collector who stated to be there for the last four days. I met all the concerned officials to show me how such alteration had been affected and under whose order? The tax collector checked the PTIN No noted from the computer 1170809287 against my House No 33-70/1 from his master list print out which is the auth for him to levy house taxes. To my surprise my house No 33-70/1 SV Colony or the PTIN No noted above did not even found in his master list.
When I confronted the superior officials including the Manager I was instead asked to produce the Exemption certificate to initiate ammendments or to pay up the dues and then apply for fresh exemption. Those were the officials whom I met repeatedly to obtain the certificate earlier in more than 15-20 visits post retirement from active service . And those were the men seen ganging against me as I applied for the same under RTI Act.
This is in fact reparcation for the RTI info seekers, whether it is Sahela who is murdered recently for seeking info from the govt of MP. Will some RTI Activist member advice my next step to get my exemption back and fight the corrupt system which is causing huge financial loss to GHMC by not ammending the status of the owners despite being sold to ineligible category.
