India, Feb. 7 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday decided to impose property tax on all commercial establishments in slum areas but categorically stated that the imposition of the tax will not legalise the unauthorised structures.

The assessment and collection department has begun the survey process as part of this tax levy. Under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act of 1888, tax is levied on lands, buildings (both raw and concrete), and other properties within the BMC's jurisdiction, with regular tax collection.

The decision to extend property tax to previously untaxed commercial establishments in slum areas stems from the fact that the city has around 2.5 lakh slums, of which approximately 20% (about 50,000 slu...