Hike in collector rates proposed in Karnal district

Property purchases in Karnal district are set to become more expensive as the district administration has proposed a hike in collector rates for the financial year 2025-26. The proposed rates, expected to increase by 10-20 per cent across the district, will come into effect from April 1 and remain valid until March 31, 2026.

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To come into effect from April 1 and remain valid until March 31, 2026

This revision comes just three months after the last update in collector rates, which was initially scheduled for implementation on April 1, 2024. However, due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections, the government put the decision on hold. The government later deferred the implementation ahead of the October 5 Assembly elections, likely to avoid electoral backlash. After the elections, the revised rates were implemented in December.

As per sources, with the elections of urban local bodies concluded and the new financial year approaching, revised collector rates have been proposed. The district administration has uploaded the proposed rates for all tehsils on its website, urging people to submit their objections and suggestions by March 26.

“We have uploaded the proposed collector rates on the website. People can review them at karnal.gov.in and submit their objections or suggestions in writing to my office or the respective tehsil/sub-tehsil office by March 26. Thereafter, no objections or suggestions will be considered. A designated committee will review and finalise all received objections and suggestions on March 27,” said Uttam Singh, Deputy Commissioner.

The proposed increase may directly impact property transactions, stamp duty calculations, and overall real estate prices. While the higher rates will increase revenue for the government, these may also lead to a slowdown in property sales.

The Property Dealers’ Association has demanded that the hike be skipped, arguing that the last revision was made in December. “We raised the issue with Karnal MLA Jagmohan Anand last week, urging him not to hike the collector rates as these were increased in December. The hike will affect the sale and purchase of properties,” said Vijay Batra, vice-president of the Karnal Property Dealers Association.