East Delhi’s civic body has rejected a proposal to levy new taxes.

The EDMC House scrapped a proposal to impose new taxes in its annual budget on February 8, according to officials. The move comes ahead of the civic elections in Delhi, which are scheduled for April.

Previously, on December 29, the standing committee of the BJP-led East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) rejected a proposal in the budget to raise the property tax levied on residential and commercial properties.

In order to increase its revenue, the corporation proposed in its budget on November 26th to increase property tax levied on residential and commercial properties, as well as to eliminate taxation on the use of cycle rickshaws, milch animals, and those that pull vehicles.

A property tax increase, a professional tax, an education cess, and a betterment tax were also proposed in the budget, according to a senior official.

EDMC Commissioner Vikas Anand presented revised budget estimates for 2021-22 and 2022-23 here at the corporation headquarters in Patparganj.

According to the EDMC budget, the revised budget estimates for 2021-22 are Rs 4,479.43 crore, while the budget estimate for 2022-23 is Rs 4,735.77 crore.

The House has rejected the proposal to levy new taxes, East Delhi Mayor Shyam Sunder Aggarwal announced on February 8.

On February 8, the proceedings to finalise the budget were marred by scenes of uproar in the House as opposition members protested over some civic issues.

The decision to not levy taxes on owners of milch animals such as cows and buffaloes, and those that pull vehicles which including horses, was made because “it is not appropriate with changing times,” he said, adding that all these taxes were levied in British times.

Since the budget was first presented in late November, a number of discussions have taken place, and recommendations have been made.

In a statement issued on February 8, the EDMC stated that Swami Dayanand Hospital’s evening OPD will be launched soon, along with an online appointment system.

Swami Dayanand Hospital is east Delhi’s only civic-run hospital.

“EDMC has also implemented a cellular-on-wheel policy, which will improve mobile internet connectivity by installing 150 cellular-on-wheel (mobile) towers. This will also increase EDMC’s revenue “According to the statement.

Furthermore, the EDMC stated that it will install acupressure tiles in a park in several wards.

According to officials, the civic body has been designated ODF+ (open defecation free), and the EDMC will apply for ODF++ status.

The policy of “floor-by-floor sanctioning and regularisation of existing floors in EDMC jurisdiction” has been implemented. According to the civic body, it will benefit those who want to build another floor above the roof.