Secunderabad Eyes ₹34 Crore in Taxes with Drone Technology

Secunderabad: In a strategic move to address financial challenges, the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) is poised to collect an estimated ₹34 crore in property taxes for the fiscal year 2024-25, ending in June. This increase is largely attributed to the incorporation of over 3,000 previously unassessed properties into the SCB’s official records, each of which has now been issued tax demand notices.

Historically, the SCB’s annual tax assessments accounted for more than 35,000 properties, including both residential and commercial establishments. The addition of 3,000 properties to the records this year marks a significant expansion.

“We expect SCB’s property tax revenue to rise to ₹34 crore this year due to the increased number of assessed properties compared to last year’s figures. In the previous fiscal year 2023-24, SCB collected nearly ₹32 crore from property taxes and anticipates an additional ₹2 crore this year,” a senior SCB official stated.

The official credited the use of drone technology for facilitating the assessment of these unassessed properties. Additionally, tax records have been updated with a Property Tax Identification Number (PTIN) for each property, aligning with the practices of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

Despite the SCB’s involvement in by-poll and Lok Sabha poll arrangements, the SCB Tax Wing has diligently dispatched tax demand notices to property owners. Recognising the electoral commitments of the staff, a senior SCB official urged taxpayers to utilise online payment options.

The response to online payment methods has been impressive, with over 40% of property owners having settled their taxes to date. Anticipating further participation, the official remarked, “With one month remaining until the June 30 deadline for payments, we expect at least 80% of taxpayers to opt for online payment.”

Regarding persistent defaulters, the SCB Tax Wing has initiated the issuance of penalty-laden notices, actively tracking and urging them to settle pending dues by June 30 to avoid further penalties, the official confirmed.

The adoption of drone technology represents a significant advancement in the SCB’s efforts to enhance fiscal management and revenue collection. This approach not only improves the accuracy of property assessments but also ensures that the tax base is comprehensive and up-to-date, thereby maximising revenue potential. As SCB continues to modernise its operations, such innovative practices will be crucial in sustaining and improving the board’s financial health.