In a startling revelation, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has exposed that several prominent government departments, educational institutions, and even police stations are among the city's biggest property tax defaulters. MCC Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif has announced a new strategy to tackle this issue, which includes publicly thanking honest taxpayers and shaming those who have not paid their dues.
Major Defaulters on the MCC List
The defaulters' list for the 2025-26 financial year paints a concerning picture of civic responsibility among public institutions. Dr Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts University has not paid property tax since 2002. Furthermore, properties under the University of Mysore, including Crawford Hall with dues of Rs 76.81 lakhs and the Yuvaraja College A and B campuses with a staggering Rs 2 crores owed, feature prominently.
The list of government offices in arrears is extensive and includes:
- Teachers Training Institute
- BEO office (Mysuru South)
- Postal Training Institute
- Regional Fire Officer's office
- District police quarters
- Krishnaraja, Lakshmipuram, and Vidyaranyapuram police stations
- Government first-grade college in Kuvempu Nagar
- Government Urdu school on Chamaraja Double Road
- CADA office
In a shocking case from Ward No. 17 (Zone 7), a single private educational institution owes property tax amounting to Rs 3.98 crore. Numerous other private institutes, individuals, and state and central government offices also appear on the defaulters' list.
MCC's New Public-Centric Strategy
Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif outlined a dual approach to improve tax compliance and public engagement. "In the coming months, the corporation will publish photos of honest taxpayers to thank them for their contribution towards the city's development," he stated. Conversely, he issued a stern warning: "We will also follow a name-and-shame policy towards defaulters."
Beyond the crackdown on defaulters, the MCC plans to bring the civic body closer to citizens through several measures. These include publishing a master plan on its official website and providing a convenient online link for the payment of all taxes and fees, aiming to streamline processes and improve transparency.
Implications for City Development
The massive unpaid taxes, running into crores of rupees, represent a significant loss of revenue for Mysuru's civic infrastructure and development projects. Property tax is a primary source of income for the municipal corporation, funding essential services like road maintenance, sanitation, water supply, and public lighting. The persistent defaults by major public institutions set a poor example for individual taxpayers and directly impact the quality of urban life.
The MCC's bold move to publicly identify defaulters marks a significant shift in its recovery strategy. The success of this "name-and-shame" policy, coupled with the positive reinforcement for compliant citizens, will be closely watched as a potential model for other municipal corporations across India grappling with similar issues of tax delinquency.
