Housing Ministry raps Goa, CCP over delay in implementing urban reforms
The Indian housing ministry has written to the Goa state government questioning the delay in initiating five urban development reforms. These reforms are a part of the AMRUT mission by MoHUA – Atal mission for rejuvenation and urban transformation that will help develop urban infrastructure.
The Joint Secretary with the MoHUA flagged the delay in the submission of reports about the reforms initiated as a part of the World Bank, backed by Capacity Building for Urban Development (CBUD). This report was the second reminder to the state government, specifically to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP).
In the report, the Joint Secretary has sought information on the improvement of property tax collections, enhancement of ad tax, transaction advisory for municipal bonds, and credit ratings for CCP.
Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) Goa has combined a contract with private ratings, research, and CRISIL to administer a 40-day exercise for spotting rifts in the tax collections of properties. The drive started in 2018 wherein the Goa state government and CCP are yet to give a nod to the final project report.
The Ministry says that despite spending funds and giving suggestions, CCP is yet to respond and act on the findings. Likewise, a contract for technical assistance in revenue for tax on advertisements was prepared to help CCP identify ways to boost mop-up via ads displayed across the state.
The housing ministry suggests that improving revenue from ad tax is critical to AMRUT reforms. The commencement, provisional, final draft, and hand-holding report remain pending even though the CBUD project ended in December 2018.
Housing Ministry issued another letter seeking information
Furthermore, reports requested by the housing ministry (Central govt) help accredit a proper utilisation of funds and completion of reforms. The Under Secretary for the CUBD division said that on April 21 a reminder was sent to the Goa government along with some other states seeking reform information.
The Under Secretary also added in his letter that it is requested to intimate the housing ministry of the implementation status of the suggestions provided by the urban local bodies along with its impact on the revenue collection.
It is said that the Goa state government overlooked the letter sent in April by the housing ministry. Therefore, a fresh request was issued on June 9, 2021, to seek information on the subject.
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