Hike in Ready Reckoner rates opposed

Legislators from Mumbai suburban district today opposed any hike in the Ready Reckoner rates during a meeting called by Collector D S Kushwa.
Only three legislators former Minister Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan of Congress and BJP legislators Atul Bhatkhalkar and Parag Alavani turned up for the meeting.
"Last two years have seen an increase in the Ready Reckoner rates by 15 per cent. The actual value is less than what is mentioned in the reckoner. It is only in Mumbai that the civic body increases the assessment tax, premium on new building projects, water charges and all civic rates based on the Ready Reckoner," Naseem Khan told PTI.

"It is practically wrong and puts extra burden on citizens," he said.
Bhatkhalkar said that he has demanded that the R&R rates should not increase. If neccessary, it should be done only for homes of more than 800 sq ft.
He said recently interest on home loan has been reduced by 1 per cent and it is expected to boost housing for poor. "If the reckoner rates are increased it will be against what the state and central government is proposing to do to boost the housing sector," he said.
Bhatkhalkar also demanded that every year the rates should be fixed by undertaking a scientific and neutral study and should be made available to elected representatives for their suggestions. He also said there is a vast difference between the Ready Reckoner rates and the actual market price.