The Bhilai Municipal Corporation has taken action against the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) by issuing a notice for property tax, amounting to ₹228 crore. The BSP has been given a 30-day period to clear the dues. The corporation is also preparing to conduct a drone survey to assess the properties within the township and plant premises.
The Bhilai Municipal Corporation has issued a notice to the Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) to pay ₹228 crore in property tax for the fiscal year 2024-25, providing a 30-day period for payment. However, the BSP has yet to pay the tax. According to Municipal Commissioner Rajiv Kumar Pandey, a detailed survey of BSP’s properties will be conducted, with a proposal for a drone survey by IIT Bhilai. Although other agencies were considered, the discussions with IIT are nearing completion.
In response to this property tax dispute, BSP management has gathered a 6000-page document via the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Both sides are involved in a back-and-forth, each attempting to strengthen their position.
The corporation’s claims include that the BSP has not disclosed commercial properties like hospitals, schools, and parks. According to the corporation, the BSP’s affidavit omits hospitals, schools, parks, CISF, BSF, ITBP, SSB quarters, and religious and social buildings. The corporation argues that BSP generates income from these properties by charging fees to private patients at hospitals and renting out school buildings. The corporation argues that tax is owed on these properties, which has not been paid by the BSP.
Despite several meetings between the corporation administration and BSP management, no resolution has been achieved. The old tax dispute remains pending in the High Court, and a new notice has been issued.