Residents of Shivamogga interact with the Corporation Commissioner and raise many civic issues

Shivamogga City Corporation Commissioner K. Mayanna Gowda interacting with residents at a program organized by the district unit of the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists on Wednesday (June 17) in Shivamogga. | Photo credit: SK Dinesh

K. Mayanna Gowda, Shivamogga City Corporation Commissioner, addressed a number of public concerns on citizen governance and property taxation during a meeting organized by the Shivamogga district unit of the Karnataka Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) on Wednesday (June 17). The forum was convened to allow residents to raise issues directly with the civic officer, given the absence of an elected body in the corporation since August 2023.

Sathish Kumar Shetty, representing Nagarika Hitarakshana Okkuta (Citizens Protection Forum), raised the issue of property transfer charges levied by corporations. He claimed that the corporation was collecting a percentage of the total value of the assets, which is against government regulations to collect only a percentage of the value of the stamp paper. “Since 2006, the company has raised more than ₹25 crore,” he said.

Responding to the allegations, Mr. Gowda said the tax was collected in accordance with legal procedures and resolutions passed by the elected body of the company. “The local authority is supreme and officials must follow decisions made through established processes,” he said.

Besides the property tax issue, residents have raised concerns over dirty sewage systems, delays in reservoir construction projects, poor road maintenance and delays in issuing e-Khatas (property records) for properties. There were also questions about tax payment procedures, basic amenities, waste collection and completion of pending works.

The commissioner announced that the corporation would soon organize a public interaction program in the city where he and other officers of the corporation would answer people’s queries.

KUWJ District President UH Vaidyanath, Telex State Committee Directors Ravi Kumar and KV Shivakumar, General Secretary RS Halaswamy, Vice President Deshadri Hosmane and others were present.

Published – 17 June 2026 19:30 IST