From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jul 24: After a sharp upward revision of guidance values of all properties in Bangalore and other districts, the State Government is seriously considering implementation of the Maharashtra model of matching the guidance values with the actual market rates through a constant market watch.

Giving an indication to this effect in the State Legislative Council on Wednesday, Karnataka Revenue Ministrer V Sreenivasa Prasad said a team of state officials were studying the Maharashtra model that had a valuation cell equipped with intelligence wing.

Replying to a question from BJP member Monappa Bhandari in upper house, he said the Stamps and Registration Department was keen on evasion of taxes on registration of properties through under-valuation.

He, however, sought to play down the opposition to the proposed steep increase in guidance value of properties in Bangalore and said it was long overdue.

“Despite the increase, the guidance values do not touch the market rates in Bangalore,” he said, and maintained that the need for revision of guidance value had arisen in Bangalore following the huge gap between the guidance values and actual market rates of properties.

The minister assured the House that the concerns being expressed by the general public would be addressed when the Stamps and Registrations Department would deal with the objections and suggestions from people for the proposed increase in guidance values.

''There is still time to consider all the objections and suggestions. We have an open mind on the issue,”  he said.
He made it clear that it was only the guidance value that was set to increase and not the stamp duty or registration fee.

Meanwhile, Cooperation Minister H S Mahadeva Prasad told the Legislative Assembly that action will be taken against Ramachandraiah, secretary, Doddagangavadi Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society (PACS), Ramanagaram, who has been suspended by the previous BJP Government, after completion of an inquiry.

The previous BJP Government has suspended Ramachandraiah for alleged misuse of crop loans sanctioned for farmers by the society.

The Minister revoked the suspension and reinstated the secretary, who was facing charges of corruption, JD(S) member H C Balakrishna alleged and wondered how it was possible. ''What is the justification for such action?,” he asked.