Novel method to collect tax arrears

Kakinada, Mar 13 (UNI) Faced with a severe financial crunch, the municipalities of Amalapuram and Peddapuram towns in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh have adopted a novel method to collect tax arrears.

The municipal commissioners in Amalapuram would visit each household along with the staff members and start ringing the call bell, attracting the attention of the householder, their neighbours and the passers-by, reminding them of their duty to pay tax.

In Peddapuram town, the sound of the tamuku (drum) caused much embarrassment to the tax payers, but yielded the desired results.

The novel method had brought out a salutary effect with many of the people rushing to the municipal office to clear their dues.

The impact could be gauged by the fact that Rs one lakh was collected within an hour of bell ringing in Amalapuram, while Rs two lakh was collected within three hours in Peddapuram town.

The commissioners made it clear that the new 'method' would be continued till March 20, the deadline fixed for proceeding against the defaulters legally.

UNI XC VA RSA BD1840