The Aligarh Municipal Corporation (AMC) has issued a 15-day notice to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), demanding the payment of pending house tax dues totalling Rs 244 million. AMC warned of legal action under the Municipal Corporation Act if the payment is not made within the stipulated timeframe. 

According to AMC officials, the dues pertain to 40 properties owned by the university, of which taxes for 22 properties have already been cleared. The remaining Rs 244 million is owed for 18 properties, with the dues reportedly pending since 2017. 

Rajendra Prasad, AMC's revenue assessment officer, stated that AMU had been issued bills and a demand notice earlier. He noted that the municipal commissioner had discussed the matter with the AMU registrar, who indicated that the university had applied for a grant from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to settle the outstanding amount. 

Prasad clarified that if the dues remain unpaid after the deadline, AMC would send a reminder and proceed to attach the university's accounts. Unlike private entities, government departments' buildings are not sealed, but their accounts can be attached. 

AMU’s public relations officer, Asim Siddique, stated that part of the dues had already been paid, and efforts were underway to clear the remaining balance. He also mentioned that the UGC has provisions to reimburse such payments, and the university is actively coordinating with the commission to resolve the issue. 

(ET)