Aurangabad, Feb 23:
The road construction in Chikalthana industrial area is once again at a stand still. The MIDC had sent a road repair proposal to the Mumbai office. According to the officials, the corporation will have to pay 50 per cent of the property tax amount to the MIDC for road repairs. The final decision will be taken depending on the amount deposited. This has delayed the road repairs works in MIDC.
Chikalthana MIDC is known as the oldest industrial area in the city. Hundreds of small and big industries are operating here. Moreover, there are urban settlements on all four sides. Chikalthana MIDC has 38 km of internal roads. These roads are in poor condition due to a lack of repairs. The area was transferred to AMC, hence maintenance and repair work of roads came in the jurisdiction of the corporation.
Industries pay taxes to the municipal corporation. But there is resentment in the industrialists for not getting that much facility. Meanwhile, during guardian minister Subhash Desai visited the area in July. He immediately ordered the MIDC to prepare and send a road repair proposal after learning of the pathetic condition of roads. Following the order, a consolidated proposal of Rs 54 crore for road repairs was sent to the Mumbai MIDC office. However, no decision has been taken yet.
According to sources, a new option has been proposed for the road repair proposal. It is proposed that the 50 per cent share of the tax levied to the industries must be paid to the MIDC. Talks have been held between the municipal administration and MIDC administration in this regard. More than Rs 15 crore tax is paid from Chikalthana MIDC. The proposal will be approved after the funds are transferred to the MIDC. The municipal administrator has submitted a letter to MIDC regarding speeding up the recovery of property tax.
Entrepreneurs doubtful about the proposal
This new proposal has once again created confusion. Entrepreneurs pay property tax to the municipal corporation as per rules. Following the order of the guardian minister, roads are to be constructed by the MIDC. The MIDC can divert the necessary funds from the municipal administration. However, there have been no talks between the two offices. So the entrepreneurs have expressed their doubts over the proposal said, Abhay Hanchanal, Massia president.