12,500 ex-servicemen availed 50% tax exemption in Karnataka | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: More than 12,500 ex-servicemen in Karnataka have availed a 50% property tax concession on their homes since 2012, according to official figures from the state’s Sainik Welfare Board.The long-standing relief measure, however, is being compared with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, which since 2016 has been waiving 100% of taxes.Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan recently reiterated his state’s decision to exempt both serving and retired armed forces personnel from paying property tax within gram panchayat limits — irrespective of their posting — calling it a tribute to their service. The announcement stirred conversations among ex-servicemen in Karnataka, who say the half waiver here is helpful but not uniform with other states.“The 100% waiver in Andhra will give significant financial relief to defence pensioners. It will increase disposable income at a time when inflation is on the rise,” said Group Captain (retd) ER Rajappan, now managing director of Shivayu Aerospace & Defence Pvt Ltd.Karnataka’s property tax concession scheme applies to one house occupied by an ex-serviceman, provided he is a state domicile and the property is in his name or jointly held with a spouse. “We have more than 1 lakh ex-servicemen and 30,500 widows. We issued 12,514 certificates for 50% property tax concession till date,” said MS Lolaksha, officiating director of Sainik Welfare Board.While some see Andhra’s policy as a recognition, others view it as part of a larger conversation on parity. Col (retd) Anshu Trivedi, a Kargil war veteran and former commanding officer of 18 Garhwal Rifles, said: “This is a great way for the public to give back to defence personnel who have dedicated their life to the service of the country. If the land belongs to you, it shouldn’t be taxed. But it is the collective responsibility of society to honour the service of veterans and not just of the govt.” For some, even the current 50% relief in Karnataka carries symbolic value. “More than a financial relief, it is a symbolic gesture,” said Kargil veteran and entrepreneur Naveen Nagappa, who has availed the exemption.While his own experience in accessing the benefit was seamless, Nagappa questioned the lack of consistency across states. “States cannot have different scales of benefits as a soldier fights for the nation. Soldiers cannot be seen as vote banks. Northern states have better benefits compared to the south. There should be some consensus between govts with respect to facilities offered to armed forces personnel,” he said.When asked whether Karnataka would consider extending the existing benefit to a full waiver, Lolaksha said no proposal had been submitted yet. “In case people demand it, a proposal will be sent to the govt,” he said.— Isha Khurana