NFC RWA (Ashoka Park) was bombarded with calls, messages, emails etc. Following announcement and publication of the new demand of ‘geotagging of property’ by MCD. Just as all residents were confused and did not have a clue of the way forward and the process, so were the members of the Management Committee of the RWA. Thus, the best way opted for by the RWA was a visit to the House-Tax Assessment Office, MCD with a request for guidance and for a CAMP / TALK / SESSION with residents for a better understanding of the concept of ‘geotagging of property’. After much pursuasion, the RWA was able to have the officials of the Department agree to visting the colony and meeting residents for the requisite clarity on 16th and 23rd December 2023 at the NFC RWA (Ashoka Park) office.
At the CLARIFICATORY TALK, Mr. Ashok Kumar (Zonal Inspector), from the Department explained that ‘geotagging of property’ is the process of assigning a unique Latitude-Longitude to a property on GIS map by selecting current location against any UPIC so that all properties have their location identified against unique Latitude- Longitude position. Residents were curious to know the the MCD’s intention behind the ‘concept of geotagging’ which seemed rather tedious for residents. Mr. Kumar explained that once a property is geo-tagged, it is easily located on geographical space which information can be utilized by the Department for better services to the citizens, and further that, all non-tax paying properties will be easily visible on the GIS Map. Mr. Kumar also informed the residents that as of today, ‘geotagging’ is not mandatory. However, in the event that a property is not geotagged, the rebate of 10% currently available on house-tax will be withdrawn in respect of that particular property. When questioned about the cumbersome process of registration and geo-tagging, and also the fact that senior residents may not be able to manage the same, Mr. Kumar was clueless. He also expressed his inability (for the moment) to depute representatives for a CAMP to the RWA Office in the near future to assist ans help residents register and geo-tag their respective property.
After the TALK, it seemed that the Department is only attempting to unload its work/headache onto the residents and make its pockets heavy and full by threatening to withdraw the rebate of 10% in the event of non-compliance and by keeping a vulture’s eye on non-house tax payers !!
