Controversy over house tax collection; Independent Girls Degree College operator accuses officials of indecency

Rajdhani Lucknow-Sachin Bajpayee

A big controversy has come to light regarding the collection of house tax in the Independent Girls Degree College located in Alambagh area of ​​the capital Lucknow. College director Shobha Tiwari has accused the Municipal Corporation officials of indecency, threats and forced entry of female employees. At the same time, the Municipal Corporation says that the recovery team had to face opposition and misbehavior from the college administration. The incident took place on February 27, when the team led by zonal officer Vineet Kumar Singh had reached the college. The matter calmed down in the presence of police, but both the parties have filed complaints against each other.

According to the incident, the Municipal Corporation team reached the college to collect the dues of house tax. In the complaint given by the college operator to the police, it has been said that the officers entered the premises without permission, used abusive language with the female staff and demanded Rs 2 lakh. The complaint also mentions that the officials threatened to seal the college and made religious comments over the phone. Shobha Tiwari has also written a letter to the Uttar Pradesh Women’s Commission demanding an investigation into the matter, in which she said, “This incident has created an atmosphere of fear among the female employees and girl students. The male officers, who did not accompany the female employee, behaved indecently, which is a violation of the dignity of women.”

Meanwhile, according to the report, Municipal Corporation Revenue Inspector Dhirendra Singh said that the team had to face opposition from the college operator. The report says that the college administration called the goons, but the matter calmed down when the police arrived. The team returned without inspection, and the outstanding amount was of no avail. Municipal Corporation sources claim that the college had outstanding house tax, for the recovery of which legal action was being taken.

This controversy is part of the growing tension over house tax collection in Lucknow. In recent months, the Municipal Corporation has taken strict action against many educational institutions. For example, in February itself, Navyug Kanya Mahavidyalaya was sealed due to outstanding house tax of Rs 39 lakh. Reports shared on Instagram said that the college administration called the action inappropriate, but the Municipal Corporation termed it a legal step. Similarly, Saroj Institute was sealed due to outstanding dues of Rs 46 lakh. Experts believe that such disputes are increasing due to increasing urbanization and tax collection targets in the city.

Police have started investigation on the complaints from both the parties. Police station SHO said that action will be taken on the basis of CCTV footage and statements of witnesses. According to sources, the Women’s Commission has also taken the matter seriously and sought clarification from the Municipal Corporation. The Municipal Corporation Commissioner said that the recovery operation is transparent and there will be an internal inquiry on any complaint of indecency.

This incident highlights the issue of administrative interference in educational institutions run by women. The residents of the city are hoping that the investigation will reveal the truth and such controversies can be avoided in future.