Sharp hike in Sirsa collector rates hits middle class

The district administration has raised collector rates by 10 per cent to 33 per cent, with middle-class colonies bearing the brunt. Areas like Shahpur Begu saw a 28-per cent hike, resulting in an additional Rs 42,000 stamp duty per marla. Similarly, Kanganpur, Peer Basti, Mahavir Colony and Subhash Basti saw an increase of 25 per cent, while colonies like Bhakra Cotton Mill Area and Old Khairpur faced a 20-per cent rise. Meanwhile, posh areas such as A to F Blocks saw a minimal 10-per cent increase, sparking criticism of more burden on middle-class families.

Property dealer Kamal Bansal voiced concerns over the disproportionate impact on the middle class. "The posh colonies are already out of reach for most middle-class families. This hike in areas where they could afford homes adds significant financial strain," he said.

The timing of the increase has also drawn criticism. Bansal argued that the hike should have been deferred until the financial year-end in March, as implementing it now would disrupt ongoing deals and add pressure on buyers and property dealers alike.

Despite efforts by property dealers to delay the hike through a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma, the new rates were implemented as planned.

The hike in collector rates by the Revenue Department came in effect from Monday, but due to technical issues with the data upload, no registry work was completed at the Sirsa Tehsil office on the first day.

The delay is expected to continue on Tuesday as the department's website is running slow, causing difficulties in uploading the updated data. No one visited the Saral Centre at the Mini-Secretariat for the registry work on Monday, and the counters remained empty throughout the day.

According to the employees at the Saral Centre, the registry work related to blood relations might start on Tuesday, as these transactions are exempt from stamp duty. The Revenue Department staff spent the entire Monday trying to upload the new data related to the increased collector rates. It is reported that the collector rates in Sirsa Tehsil area have risen by 10 per cent to 33 per cent. The stamp duty will now be calculated based on these updated rates.