NDMC launches project to map properties for widening tax net

In an effort to keep a check on property tax defaulters, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation today launched Unique Property Identification Code (UPIC) project that aims to streamline database of properties under its jurisdiction.
In an initiative to mark the 'Good Governance Day, North Delhi Mayor Yogendra Chandolia today launched the project to map the properties for identifying the defaulters.
Under the project, a unique number would be allotted to each property and its details would get registered online with NDMC.
Each property would also be issued a UPIC card containing all details about the property. In all future transactions, UPIC number would be quoted.

"The project conceived in 2011 is taking shape in the present form after a lot of consultations. During the survey of the properties, quality would have to be maintained. The properties after being registered on the server would become part of NDMC's record," Chandolia said.
According to Standing Committee Chairman Mohan Bhardwaj, "The project with an investment of Rs 26.5 crore has been taken up with the help of a private company and is likely to be completed within 18 months".

"At present around 35 per cent property owners of North Delhi pay property tax and with the UPIC system more number of properties will fall under the ambit of property tax," he added.

Leader of House Meera Aggarwal said that the scheme would facilitate the work of property tax for both, the tax payers as well as North DMC.
"It would help in increasing the revenue of the Corporation," she said.
The broad features of UPIC project include real-time collection of data in GPS-enabled tablets; assigning of UPICs to each unit and issue of UPIC Cards; determination of the Annual Values (AVs) of the properties; and assigning of premises number.
The scheme would also include fixing of metallic plates of premises/ sub-premises; photographs of properties from outside in such a way that the properties are identifiable (with UPIC or Premises numbers).

All information under the UPIC would also be available on MCD's website.