New Delhi: The issue has also drawn attention to key government complexes that have not cleared dues for years. Officials said the matter is under review and recovery steps will follow as per the law.
Government buildings in Bengaluru have emerged among the city’s biggest service charge defaulters, with total pending dues of nearly Rs 472.7 crore, according to data shared by civic authorities.
The disclosure was made by NR Ramesh, former opposition leader in the erstwhile BBMP council, now the Greater Bengaluru Authority. He said, “Before auctioning properties of middle and lower middle-class citizens over small tax dues, authorities must act against these govt buildings that owe nearly Rs 473 crore. Why is there no action against these major defaulters?”
Zone-wise dues across the city
Data showed that the East Zone has the highest arrears at Rs 246.4 crore. This is followed by Yelahanka with Rs 67.5 crore, Rajarajeshwari Nagar with Rs 57.5 crore, Mahadevapura with Rs 39.1 crore and the South Zone with Rs 33.7 crore.
Senior officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the figures shared are accurate.
Key govt complexes among defaulters
Several prominent government buildings are part of the list of defaulters. These include Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha, Raj Bhavan, Kumarakrupa Guest House and a multistoreyed government complex.
Together, these buildings account for Rs 14.9 crore in unpaid service charges. Officials said the dues have remained unpaid since 2008-09.
Buildings that are exempt from property tax are required to pay service charges instead.
Selective enforcement allegations
Ramesh alleged that while citizens with dues ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh face property attachment and auction, large defaulters such as government departments, tech parks and commercial establishments do not face strict action.
He called for equal enforcement and urged authorities to issue legal notices and consider sealing or attaching government properties. He said, “If there is a genuine intent to improve the financial health of civic bodies, let them begin with govt establishments. The same law must apply to everyone.”
Civic body response
Reacting to the issue, GBA chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao said, “The matter is being examined, and appropriate steps will be taken to ensure recovery in accordance with the law.”
Officials added that coordination with various state departments is ongoing. Demand notices have been issued and reconciliation processes are underway to recover the dues.