A state-level federation representing resident welfare associations has urged the state government to initiate a comprehensive and transparent audit of all residential and commercial buildings across the state. The federation alleged that widespread property tax evasion, along with irregular and corrupt assessment practices, has resulted in revenue losses amounting to several hundred crores of rupees over the years.

According to the association, weaknesses in the current assessment system have allowed large numbers of property owners to underreport built-up areas, usage categories, and occupancy status, leading to significant under-collection of property tax. The federation claimed that enforcement mechanisms remain inadequate and inspections are either irregular or selectively carried out, allowing violations to go unchecked.

The association called for mandatory and periodic physical inspections of properties owned by elected representatives, local body members, and individuals holding public office, stating that no category of property owner should be exempt from scrutiny. It also demanded stringent action against both property owners found guilty of evasion and revenue officials who failed to conduct fair and accurate assessments.

In addition, the federation urged the government to constitute an independent expert committee to review whether property tax assessments conducted in previous years for both residential and commercial buildings were carried out fairly and in accordance with existing rules and guidelines. The committee, it said, should evaluate systemic lapses, inconsistencies, and possible misuse of discretionary powers by assessment authorities.

The association further recommended that the entire inspection and assessment process be conducted through a fully digital, transparent, and publicly auditable mechanism to eliminate manual interference, reduce corruption, and ensure uniform implementation across urban and rural local bodies.

As part of punitive measures, the federation demanded that property owners found guilty of deliberate tax evasion be required to pay double the applicable tax for the previous ten years. It also called for immediate suspension and disciplinary action against revenue officials who failed to perform their duties responsibly or were found complicit in irregular assessments.