Joint Forum of Industrial Associations Oppose Unjustified Property Tax Hike & Garbage Charges in Chandigarh

The Joint Forum of Industrial Associations met with Mayor Chandigarh, Harpreet Kaur Babla, along with BJP Chandigarh President Jatinder Pal Malhotra, to strongly oppose the proposed hike in property tax and the imposition of garbage charges on commercial and industrial units.

The forum raised concerns over the 300% increase in property tax, stating that such a drastic hike is unjustified and financially burdensome for property owners. They emphasized that any tax revision should first be approved by the Municipal Corporation House and recommended capping the increase at a maximum of 25% across all property categories to ensure fairness.

Additionally, industrial representatives opposed the garbage charges imposed on commercial and industrial units, arguing that these sectors do not generate wet waste. Industrial waste is already managed through authorized agencies, and the minimal dry waste produced does not justify the hefty ₹1000+ per unit charge. The forum warned against further increases in these charges, calling them unreasonable and detrimental to businesses.

The industrial bodies urged the administration to support businesses rather than burden them with excessive taxation. They called for an immediate review of the policy, requesting exemption of commercial and industrial units from garbage charges and a more balanced approach to property tax revision.

The forum seeks urgent intervention from authorities to address these concerns and ensure fair and transparent governance for the city’s business community.