RWAs join hands to oppose property tax hike

Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have joined political parties in opposing the threefold increase in property tax. The Chandigarh Residents Associations Welfare Federation (CRAWFED) has announced a city-wide signature campaign starting Sunday.

Hitesh Puri, president, CRAWFED, a  federation representing over 90 RWAs, said the decision was taken ahead of an executive committee meeting scheduled for Sunday at Sector 21’s community centre. The meeting, to be attended by Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Sandhu as chief guest, will focus on key civic issues, including property tax hike, pending share-wise registries and reforms in the Housing Board. Over 100 RWA representatives are expected to voice their concerns before the MP.

Puri said as part of the protest, a large poster would be displayed at the venue for attendees to sign, marking their opposition to the property tax hike. The campaign would later expand across the city, with the collected signatures to be submitted to the Punjab Governor and the Prime Minister.

The move comes amid escalating protests by political parties. BJP councillors have threatened mass resignations, while Congress councillor and Senior Deputy Mayor Taruna Mehta has already quit the House Tax Committee in protest. The BJP plans to meet the Punjab Governor and UT Administrator next week, while the Chandigarh Congress will launch protests from Sunday at Manimajra’s Housing Board Chowk.

“We will continue protesting until the Administration rolls back the hike,” said HS Lucky, president, Chandigarh Congress.