Belagavi, March 4: The general body meeting of the Belagavi City Corporation witnessed tense scenes on Monday as members clashed over solid waste management, fund allocation delays, and a proposed tax hike.
For more details : https://kannada.asianetnews.com/karnataka-districts/belagavi-corporation-has-decided-to-increase-taxes-by-3-percent-despite-strong-opposition-from-members-mrq/articleshow-7ocofi5
Belagavi South MLA Abhay Patil expressed concern over the delay in the State government releasing its share of funds for the ₹135 crore City 2.0 solid waste management project. As per guidelines, 40% of the funds are to be provided by the Centre, 40% by the State, and 20% by the Corporation. While the Centre and the Corporation are ready to release their portions, the State’s delay could affect implementation. Belagavi is the only city in Karnataka to have received approval under the scheme, and failure to complete formalities by March 31 may result in the project being scaled down to ₹75 crore or even scrapped.
The meeting also saw strong opposition to a 3% property tax hike, which was approved despite not being listed on the official agenda. Several opposition members objected to the move, questioning its inclusion without prior notice. However, Leader of the House Hanumant Kongali defended the decision, stating that a tax revision was necessary to comply with a government notice.
Members also raised concerns over delays in providing requested information within the stipulated time. The situation led to brief disruptions before Mayor Mangesh Pawar intervened, assuring that the issues would be reviewed and appropriate action taken.
Read also : Bomb Threat Email Triggers Panic at Belagavi District Court, Turns Out to Be Hoax
