The financially struggling Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has achieved a record-breaking property tax collection of over Rs 1 billion in the first seven months of the 2024-2025 financial year. This accomplishment is attributed to efforts aimed at making the tax payment process more convenient and user-friendly.

By the end of October 2024, the HDMC had collected Rs 1.02 billion, nearing its annual target of Rs 1.41 billion. This figure is reportedly the highest in the civic body's history.

Local elected representatives, including councillors, had been vocal in their criticism of HDMC officials, accusing them of inefficiency in tax collection. The corporation's financial condition had been dire, exacerbated by the government's failure to release grants. As a result, officials faced mounting pressure to boost internal revenue generation.

To address the situation, HDMC Commissioner Ishwar Ullagaddi implemented several initiatives to streamline the tax collection process. These measures included introducing an online payment system, sparing taxpayers from having to visit payment counters during adverse weather conditions or endure long queues. Additionally, staff members were equipped with Point of Sale (PoS) machines, enabling doorstep collection of tax payments.

A 5 per cent concession was initially offered to taxpayers making payments in April, which was subsequently extended to the end of May and later to the end of August. This initiative significantly increased revenue for the HDMC.

Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Vishwanath PB said that the highest collection occurred in August, amounting to Rs 550.3 million. May saw Rs 90.2 million collected, followed by Rs 80.7 million in June, Rs 100.9 million in July, and Rs 50.9 million in August. However, collections dropped in September and October, amounting to Rs 40.6 and Rs 50.6 million, respectively.