Introduction

A robust and effective system of local self-government is foundational to the effective functioning of a democracy. A fundamental enabling condition for such a system to exist is to have adequate finances at the disposal of the institutions of self-government, and the more such finances are mobilized at the local level by these governments, the better for their effective functioning. One of the essential pillars of municipal financing the world over is property taxes. Government of India and the Finance Commissions set up by it, have been strongly recommending tapping this resource from time to time. It is with this background, and with an intend to strengthen out ULBs and ramp up the urban development for the betterment of common masses, the Government has decided to impose property tax in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Is any development possible without adequate resources? Certainly not.