9 months ago
Varanasi Clarifies No Property Tax on Temples
In Varanasi, the city government sent notices to temples and religious schools because they didn't pay their taxes.
The religious leaders were upset because they thought these places should not have to pay taxes.
The city said they made a mistake and fixed it.
Now, temples and monasteries won't have to pay property tax, but they still need to pay half of the water and sewer taxes.
The city is sending notices to many buildings about unpaid bills, but they are making sure religious places are treated fairly.
Varanasi Municipal Corporation issued tax arrears notices to temples and monasteries due to an error, which is being rectified.
Property tax will be waived for all places of worship, but water and sewer taxes will still apply with a 50% reduction.
The notices were part of a new unified property tax bill process for the entire city of Varanasi.
Over 20,000 buildings, including 40 temples, 7 mosques, and 1 gurdwara in the Kotwali zone, have been exempted from property tax.
The saint community expressed resentment and threatened agitation, but the VMC clarified the situation and is implementing changes.
- Who
- Varanasi Municipal Corporation and the saint community
- What
- Issuing and receiving tax arrears notices, subsequent clarification
- Where
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- When
- Earlier this week, with clarification on Thursday
- Why
- Pending tax dues for property, water, and sewer tax, with subsequent clarification on tax exemptions
Saint Community
Varanasi Municipal Corporation
Tax Exemption for Religious Institutions
Saint Community
Religious institutions should be exempt from all taxes, including water and sewer taxes.
Varanasi Municipal Corporation
While property tax is waived, water and sewer taxes are still applicable, though a 50% reduction is being implemented.
Key facts
- Location
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Issue
- Tax arrears notices issued to temples and monasteries
- Taxes Involved
- Property tax, water tax, sewer tax
- Amount for Patalpuri Mutt
- Rs 2 lakh
- Response from Saint Community
- Resentment and threat of agitation
- VMC's Stance
- Notices issued due to an error, being rectified; property tax waived, 50% reduction on water and sewer taxes
- Number of Buildings Noticed
- Over 20,000
- Exemptions Granted
- 40 temples, 7 mosques, 1 gurdwara in the Kotwali zone
Quotes
Jagadguru Balakdevacharya
A spiritual leader and one of the protesters.
“The saints and sages of Kashi will not tolerate this decision at any cost and that the corporation should withdraw it immediately”
thestatesman.com
Mahant Jagdishwar Das
A spiritual leader and one of the protesters.
“No taxes are levied on mosques and madrassas and that mullahs are even paid salaries. Taxes are being imposed on places where activities related to Sanatan Dharma and culture take place, including institutions imparting Sanskrit education and Vedic teachings. The government remains silent and that some officials are attempting to tarnish the government’s policies. The corporation has been given three days to withdraw the decision, failing which a nationwide movement would be launched against it.”
thestatesman.com
Saint Krishna Devdas Ji
A spiritual leader and one of the protesters.
“Saints live on alms and offer food to the deities. After the construction of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, saints and sadhus from all corners of India come here. They also stay in the monasteries. Their arrangements are made by the monasteries. Now that the corporation is levying taxes, resentment is growing everywhere.”
thestatesman.com
Mayor Ashok Tiwari
The mayor of Varanasi.
“Keeping in mind the religious and cultural dignity of Kashi and the public interest, instructions have been given to exempt all public places of worship, charitable trusts, and schools in the municipal area from general tax (house tax). The Municipal Commissioner clarified that this exemption is being given in accordance with the provisions mentioned in Section 177 of the Municipal Corporation Act, 1959.”
thestatesman.com
