Levying property tax for creation of better infrastructure: SMC Commissioner

BK News

Srinagar, Feb 24: Implementation of Smart City projects or levying of property tax is for creating better facilities and infrastructure for the people, Srinagar Municipal Commissioner, Athar Aamir Khan said on Thursday in a function held by PHD Chamber of Commerce Kashmir Chapter here.

Khan, according to a statement issued by the PHD Chamber, said that the property tax is progressive and has been devised keeping in view the social and economic aspects. The rates imposed are very nominal compared to other municipal corporations of country and with special exemptions for poor and marginalised, he added.

Khan was speaking as a special invitee to the core group meeting of the PHD Chamber, according the statement.

An engaged civil society is a vehicle for people participating in the development and implementation of government policies and programs, he said, while throwing light on various verticals and aspects of Srinagar Smart City.

Earlier Vicky Shaw Chair PHD Chamber Kashmir  fully supported the CEO Srinagar Smart City for the mammoth task of reshaping the whole city under Srinagar smart City Project and assured the Commissioner  that the PHD Chamber will outreach  in coordination with government to make people aware about the reforms and developments that are being implemented by the government at various levels. In his speech he welcomed the Chief Guest and core group members  and apprised everyone about PHDCCI, the 117 years old National Chamber’s  activities and latest developments since he took over as chair of Kashmir Chapter. He further commented about extending full support to the government  based on integrity and faithfulness. Shaw  also sought everybody’s view as to how best to further strengthen the PHDCCI Kashmir   which has already caught the imagination of the masses and the youth of J&K. He said, the team   is spearheading it but at the same time we have to devise a strategy to work in conjunction to cooperate with the central and UT government and other government agencies to remove some of the barriers to trade and business and we have to assist in the policy-making to ensure that all interests are looked after.

The meeting was attended by immediate former Chair Kashmir- Baldev Singh Raina and core members Himayu wani, Nasir Shah, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Pervaiz Qalander, Haleem Bhat,  Owais Raja, Ubair Shah, Adnan Shah, Sajid Nazir Shah and Iqbal Fayaz Jan  Deputy Director PHDCCI J&K. The members  discussed various economic and social issues in threadbare. The members decided to devise a strategy and will help the youth and existing industry to diversify in new business with latest technology and avenues which remains unexplored in this part of the world.