Municipal officials in Jagitial have been conducting a tax collection drive for the past several days, causing concern among residents. There are approximately 25,000 commercial and residential properties in the area that owe about Rs 12.40 crore in annual house taxes. However, as of now, officials have only collected Rs 6.65 crore from 18,000 residential taxpayers. With the end of the financial year approaching, officials have become more active in their efforts to collect taxes, issuing notices and locking up shops for non-payment. The municipal body had recently experienced a period of inactivity due to the resignation of its former chairman, and the laxity of officials has contributed to poor tax collection. However, a warning from the District Collector to ensure 100% collection of taxes has led officials to become more aggressive in their efforts. This approach has been criticized by residents who question why officials have waited until the last minute to collect taxes. The officials are expected to collect a pending tax due of Rs 5.75 crore by March 31.
