In order to collect money for UTF from the people, the authorities have even started the process of appointing a consultant to draft a proposal on this form of taxation.
Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) residents may have to pay a levy for infrastructure and transportation upgrade in the future, with the authorities planning to introduce an Urban Transport Fund (UTF) in the years to come.
In order to collect money for UTF from the people, the authorities have even started the process of appointing a consultant to draft a proposal on this form of taxation.
The Union Ministry of Urban Development has empaneled seven consultants, following a competitive process, to provide assistance to those cities that want to have UTF.
"One of the seven consultants will be appointed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) for the job. The successful bidder will have to submit technical and financial proposals for the setting up of UTF," said an MMRDA official.
In the future, the collection for UTF may be through urban local bodies while buying a home or building a new structure. The revenue collected from it will be utilised to fund transportation projects in MMR. Projects require substantial investment and with the state government reeling under debts, government agencies are left with the alternative of either opting for more loans from international financing agencies or going for the public-private partnership financial model.
The good news is that at least the fund will not be introduced during the next one year as it will take a few months for the consultants to submit their report. Thereafter, the state will require time to amend regulations to have UTF only for MMR.
However, it is unsure if UTF will be introduced for the fiscal year 2017-18, as the civic elections slated for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in early 2017, too, will be over.
The 'need' for having such a revenue collection model has been on paper with the state government for nearly a decade now. But, it is only now that it has started to get its act together.
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