Sat Mar 08 07:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Connaught Place Traders Protest Property Tax System, Threaten Legal Action
**New Delhi** – Following the New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) seizure of over a dozen businesses in Connaught Place for unpaid property taxes, the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) is demanding a fairer taxation system. The NDTA, in a meeting Thursday, called for a uniform unit-area method of taxation across Lutyens’ Delhi, replacing the current comparative rent system.
NDTA head Atul Bhargava stated that traders are not opposed to paying taxes but seek a “just and fair” system. He emphasized the need for a “one city, one tax” approach, pointing out that while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) adopted the unit-area method in 2004, the NDMC continues to use the older, contested system. Bhargava also highlighted the issue of multiple property tax IDs for single properties, impacting all businesses even if only one is in arrears. He warned of legal action if their demands are not met.
NDMC officials countered that the unit-area method (UAM), introduced in 2009, is used by 90% of taxpayers without legal challenge. They confirmed that a proposal to fully implement UAM was submitted to the central government two years ago, but is still under review. Despite acknowledging the ongoing discussions, officials stated that tax collection actions against defaulters would continue. The NDMC did not respond to requests for comment. The NDTA plans to raise the issue with their newly elected MLA, Parvesh Verma.
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