Thursday, August 19, 2010

“Lok Satta opposes property tax hike (Telugu)” plus 3 more

“Lok Satta opposes property tax hike (Telugu)” plus 3 more

Lok Satta opposes property tax hike (Telugu)

Posted: 19 Aug 2010 10:00 AM PDT

Lok Satta opposes property tax hike

Posted: 19 Aug 2010 09:59 AM PDT


The Lok Satta Party today took serious exception to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation proposal to raise property tax by 30 percent.

In a media statement, party leader Katari Srinivasa Rao pointed out that there is no point in the corporation raising the property tax further when it has not been able to render service for the tax it is already collecting. The breakdown of all kinds of services like roads, drainage, drinking water, and sanitation witnessed in the last few days following a heavy spell of rain testifies to the quality of corporation services to taxpayers.

The Lok Satta leader said the corporation could save huge amounts if it arrested misappropriations in maintenance and development expenditure, and earn huge revenue if it brought all commercial and residential properties under the tax net.

Mr. Katari Srinivasa Rao demanded that the corporation devolve its powers, responsibilities and resources on democratically elected ward committees and ensure that the citizen's charter is implemented.

Ascertain public opinion on Mining Bill, Lok Satta demands (Telugu)

Posted: 19 Aug 2010 03:51 AM PDT

Ascertain public opinion on Mining Bill, Lok Satta demands

Posted: 19 Aug 2010 03:50 AM PDT


The Lok Satta Party today demanded that the Union Government ascertain public opinion before introducing the Mines and Minerals Bill in Parliament in the context of widespread and growing agitations against exploitation of mineral wealth in areas inhabited by Scheduled Tribes and others.

Addressing the media, party Working President Mr. D. V. V. S. Varma said persons being displaced or deprived of livelihood by mining activity should be adequately compensated, given a share in mining companies' profits and provided alternative sources of livelihood. The Government should simultaneously ensure that no harm befell the environment because of mining.

Mr. Varma demanded that mines should not be leased indiscriminately leased and illegal mining condoned. The Government should focus its attention on promoting national interests and preserving environment in the proposed legislation.

Mr. Varma regretted that the Supreme court did not find anything wrong in the Tamil Nadu Government's decision to distribute color television sets to 33 lakh poor families. Government money should be utilized to better people's lives and not to influence their voting behavior. One need not be surprised if parties promise free gold necklaces to women on the eve of elections. Luring voters with color TV sets or money or liquor violates the election code.

Mr. P. Bhaskara Rao, Secretary, took part in the media conference.

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