Sun Feb 23 19:29:52 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Corporation Aims to Boost Property Tax Collection to Secure Central Grants

**Chennai, February 24, 2025** – The Chennai Corporation is intensifying its efforts to improve property tax collection, particularly from large government buildings, to secure crucial central grants for civic projects. The corporation is aiming for a 10% annual increase in property tax revenue, a benchmark for eligibility for these funds.

Despite collecting ₹1756 crore in property tax between April 2024 and February 2025 (a significant increase from ₹1398 crore in the same period the previous year), the corporation still falls short of its target. Officials estimate an additional ₹180 crore is needed by March 31st to meet the central government’s requirements.

The recent announcement by the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Minister, K.N. Nehru, regarding the discontinuation of drone surveys to assess property tax has created some confusion among residents. This has added pressure on revenue officials.

A major focus is now on improving collections from government buildings. While some government agencies already pay property tax or service charges, others, including the Railways and ICF, have challenged these payments, citing the civic services the corporation provides. The Supreme Court has ruled that central government departments must pay service charges based on services received. The corporation is particularly focused on recovering unpaid service charges from over 400 properties owned by the Railways.

The corporation hopes to collect ₹2700 crore by March 31st through special tax collection camps, exceeding the 10% target and securing the much-needed central grants for vital civic infrastructure projects. Failure to achieve the target could result in a loss of hundreds of crores in funding.

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