Chandigarh Mayor for probe into MC’s fiscal crisis, stay on property tax hike

Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla has called for a financial inquiry into the Municipal Corporation's fiscal crisis while strongly opposing the proposed steep hike in property tax. In a letter to UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, she termed the planned tax increase, which would nearly triple current rates, as “unprecedented in Chandigarh’s history”.

Babla emphasised that the tax proposal was introduced without consulting or seeking approval from elected MC councillors. “Such unilateral decision-making undermines both democratic processes and the authority of elected representatives,” she stated.

Highlighting the civic body’s acute financial distress, the Mayor noted the corporation’s deteriorating ability to provide essential public services. She demanded a thorough investigation into the causes of the financial crisis and accountability for those responsible.

The Mayor pointed out that the Chandigarh Administration has consistently failed to provide adequate funds to meet the MC's actual requirements. “Imposing additional tax burden on citizens under these circumstances is both unfair and insensitive,” she argued.

Babla urged the Chief Secretary to halt the tax hike implementation until comprehensive discussions were held with Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, along with the MC’s elected body. “Protecting Chandigarh residents’ interests must remain our foremost priority,” she added.