Bengal records 168% rise in panchayat property tax collection; GST revenue up 17% in October

West Bengal's panchayats saw a staggering 168% surge in property tax collection during the first half of the current fiscal year, while the state's GST revenue climbed by 17% compared to the same period last year, according to Nabanna data. Property tax receipts in panchayat areas surged to approximately Rs 118 crore from April 1 to October 27, up from Rs 44.05 crore during the same period the previous year.

This represents a Rs 74 crore increase, driven by a record number of taxpayers - 28.94 lakh this year, up from 11.69 lakh last year. The rise in collections follows the introduction of an online tax collection system in panchayat areas, officials claim. October's GST revenue stood at Rs 6,055 crore, a 17% year-on-year increase. The festive season, especially in hospitality and food services, played a key role, with GST from hotel and restaurant services reaching Rs 60 crore during Durga Puja, nearly 35% higher than the previous year.

October saw hotel and restaurant sector revenue climb to nearly Rs 1,000 crore, a 54% rise from September's average of Rs 650 crore. Steps are being taken to fully digitize property tax collection in the state's 128 municipalities, with officials expecting this year's collections to surpass last year's total.