CHANDIGARH, April 10:– A delegation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by local president Vijay Singh on Wednesday met Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma and submitted a memorandum demanding immediate reversal of the recent property tax hike.
Singh said the new tax structure was “unjustified and burdensome,” especially for middle-class families already grappling with inflation. “The administration must withdraw this decision without delay,” he told reporters after the meeting.
According to a recent notification, the property tax on residential buildings has been increased from 3% to 9% of the annual rateable value (ARV), while commercial and industrial properties will now be taxed at 6%—double the previous rate. Property tax was first introduced in 2004 and extended to residential properties in 2015, but rates remained unchanged until now.
The AAP delegation also raised other key issues. Singh urged the administration to increase pensions for the elderly and widows, stating that “vulnerable groups deserve better financial support in these times.”
Additionally, the party called for a structured policy to safeguard the interests of contractual workers. “Many have worked for years without rights or security. This must change,” Singh noted.
These concerns, including the tax increase and worker rights, were previously submitted to the UT administrator’s advisory council, but Singh said no action has followed.
