No Dues Certificate Costs Rs. 7.42 Crore In Polls
- Municipal elections bring focus on no dues certificate rule
- Hotel owner clears Rs. 7.42 crore dues to contest polls
Hyderabad: Municipal elections have turned into a major source of revenue for local bodies, as candidates must submit a no dues certificate with their nomination papers. In one striking case, an aspirant paid Rs. 7.42 crore to secure a single no dues certificate, highlighting the strict enforcement of municipal rules ahead of the polls.
The development came to light as candidates began approaching municipal offices to complete formalities for contesting elections. According to the input, this period remains the only time when the municipal body, referred to as Baldia, collects large sums in a short span. Therefore, officials insisted on full payment of outstanding dues before issuing the required certificate.
Municipal elections and no dues certificate requirement
The case involved the owner of a prominent hotel in the Nizamabad district headquarters. He had made full preparations to contest as a corporator in the municipal elections. However, it emerged that he had not paid hotel tax for several years. When he approached the municipal corporation for documentation, officials made their position clear. They said they would issue the no dues certificate only after all pending amounts were paid.
Meanwhile, the aspirant faced a clear choice. Without the no dues certificate, he could not file nomination papers. Therefore, despite the large amount involved, he agreed to clear the arrears. He paid Rs. 7.42 crore towards hotel tax dues. Only after this payment did officials issue the no dues certificate, allowing him to proceed with his election plans.
Rs. 7.42 crore payment highlights strict enforcement
This instance shows how municipal rules come into sharp focus during elections. Candidates must comply fully with tax requirements, regardless of the amount involved. Also, the episode underlines how long pending dues surface when aspirants seek clearance to enter the electoral race. The payment of Rs. 7.42 crore for a single certificate stands out due to its scale.
Later, officials pointed out that such enforcement ensures compliance and boosts municipal revenue. However, the situation also reflects how arrears can accumulate over years and come due at one time. The municipal body benefited from the payment, which added significantly to its income during the election period.
Therefore, the incident has drawn attention to the role of the no dues certificate in municipal elections. It has also shown that candidates, even those with long pending taxes, must settle accounts before seeking public office. As nominations continue, the focus remains on compliance, transparency, and adherence to municipal rules that govern the election process.
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