Two Bhubaneswar schools face sealing for unpaid taxes

Two well-known private schools in Bhubaneswar may soon be sealed for failing to pay holding taxes. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued repeated reminders to the schools about their unpaid taxes. The schools were listed as tax defaulters on March 12. Each school owes more than Rs 1 crore to the BMC. Ajay Mohanty, the BMC's deputy commissioner for revenue, stated that the schools have not made tax payments for a long time. As a result, their debts continue to grow each year. Holding tax is charged based on the size of a building. It is an important source of income for the city. Mohanty emphasized that educational institutions cannot ignore their tax obligations. He indicated that if the schools do not pay soon, their gates will be sealed. One school owns its building while the other rents its facilities, meaning the holding tax is registered under the name of the actual property owner. Both schools received formal notices to pay the amounts owed and were given a week to respond. The schools are known for their high fees and specialized curriculums. They attract children from influential families, including those of top bureaucrats and business leaders. The BMC also noted that there are other institutions in the area that have been evading holding tax.