HDMC extends 5% property tax rebate till May 31

Hubballi: The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has extended the 5% concession period on property tax payment for the 2026–27 financial year till May 31, Mayor Jyoti Patil announced at the corporation's general body meeting on Thursday.The decision comes in the wake of a 12-day delay in the commencement of property tax collection due to technical issues, with payments beginning only on April 12. In addition, a series of festivals and jayantis during April prevented many property owners in Hubballi and Dharwad from paying their taxes on time.Raising the issue during the meeting, house leader Iresh Anchatageri said the concession period, which was scheduled to end on April 30, should be extended by a month. Supporting the move, opposition leader Imran Yaligar said the extension was justified under the circumstances.At the start of the meeting, Anchatageri, who is also a former mayor, condoled the death of The Times of India photographer Vaman Bhandge. The house observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect.