Govt will not back down from decision to collect private school building tax

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Local Self Government department has decided not to roll down on its decision to collect tax from the buildings of private unaided schools and hostels.

The notices have been issued to schools as per the LSGD circular issued on April 12, 2012 to collect tax from such buildings. Some schools have obtained a stay from the court against this, while others are paying the tax. With the inclusion of this in the Kerala Panchayat Raj and Municipality Act amendment in the last budget session, the stay from the courts is no longer possible. The instructions given to the local bodies are to collect the dues by giving notice.

At the same time, the CBSE School Management Association came out against the tax collection. The association stated that it is discrimination against unaided schools and if the decision is implemented, the fees will have to be increased.