Karnataka gram panchayats achieve 89% of tax collection target
Bengaluru: Gram panchayats across Karnataka have recorded a strong improvement in revenue mobilisation, realising 89% of the tax collection target for the financial year 2025-26, one of the highest levels in recent years, The Hindu reported.
According to the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, 5,943 gram panchayats reported higher collections compared to the previous year. The total tax collection stood at Rs 1,382.57 crore, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore from Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge said state had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation with respect to village panchayats, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of “efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.”
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In 2024-25, gram panchayats had realised 80% of the demand, collecting Rs 1,272.54 crore for the first time in the department’s history. Building on this, the state has now reached a record 89% realisation.
Highlighting district-wise performance, the minister noted that Raichur recorded 129% tax collection, while 11 districts crossed 100% realisation.
He said the improvement was driven by awareness campaigns, focused collection drives, and sustained efforts of officials at all levels, from bill collectors to senior administrators.
“Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities. It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he said.
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Maharashtra sets up state vaccination task force to strengthen immunisation programme
Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra government has set up a State Vaccination Task Force to strengthen the regular immunisation programme and review the progress of related campaigns, a health department official said on Monday.
The State Vaccination Task Force will comprise at least 29 members and will be headed by the administrative head of the health department, he informed.
The government has also constituted separate district-level and municipal vaccination task forces to improve implementation and address challenges at the grassroots level, he said.
Municipal task forces, chaired by respective civic commissioners, have been constituted in view of the vast urban population in Maharashtra and the role of civic bodies in implementing different health programmes.
The district-level task forces will function under the chairmanship of collectors.
"Complete immunisation of children at the appropriate age is an extremely simple, cost-effective and highly effective measure to reduce child mortality and the prevalence of diseases among kids. Immunisation is a powerful tool for reducing illness in children," maintained the official.
To ensure full vaccination of all children, the state government implements various campaigns from time to time as per the central government guidelines, he pointed out.
"Active participation and cooperation of other relevant government departments are essential (in making these campaigns successful)," according to the official.
The state-level body will review the regular immunisation programme, associated campaigns and vaccine-preventable diseases in detail. It will also conduct focused assessments of high-risk districts and municipal corporations, including vacancies at district, municipal and sub-district levels, availability of cold chain equipment, resource gaps and training requirements, he noted.
The state task force will review allocation and utilisation of funds for immunisation and ensure timely action by officers concerned based on reports from district and municipal task forces and state-level monitoring mechanisms, the official said.
It will also ensure active coordination and participation of other government departments in immunisation drives, while district and municipal task forces will carry out similar functions at their respective levels, the official added.
