Despite MC directions, Gurugram malls, hospitals continue to charge parking fee

Gurugram, April 10

To curb the menace of illegal charging of parking fee by city malls, hospitals, business centres and similar institutions, the Municipal Corporation (MC) has ordered property tax review. The move comes in the wake of suspension of a tax inspector and clerk after Gurugram Municipal Corporation Commissioner PC Meena found MGF Metropolitan Mall charging for basement parking, which was meant to be free.

2017 decision

• In 2017, the Gurugram MC gave property tax rebate to malls offering free parking
• Recently, a tax inspector and a clerk were suspended after the Gurugram MC Commissioner found MGF Metropolitan Mall charging for basement parking, which was meant to be free
• The mall was reportedly availing rebate in property tax in return for a commitment to offer free parking to visitors

One of the busiest spots on the MG Road, the mall is availing rebate in property tax in return for offering free parking to visitors. However, it has not been offering free parking. Tax inspector Pankaj and clerk Pradeep were suspended for the faulty assessment of property tax of the mall. They did not take this chargeable parking into account. In 2017, the MC launched a scheme offering property tax rebate to malls offering free parking. Though many availed it, MC officials never went to the spot and reviewed whether rules were being followed.

“We have formed committees and are reviewing property tax details of all malls and similar institutions. There are many who have taken rebate but are charging people for parking. If found guilty, we will penalise such people and make recovery. Action will be taken against officials who overlooked the lapse,” added Meena.

Since malls are charging parking fees, motorists are parking on roads, leading to traffic congestion. Service lanes on the MG Road remain blocked due to this.