Rourkela, July 6: The municipal corporation has decided to file certificate cases against civic tax defaulters.

"This will be for the first time in the steel city (which has been made into a corporation) that certificate cases would be filed against the defaulters of various taxes," said commissioner Durga Prasad Mohapatra.

"Already, the names of defaulters have been published in newspapers through a notification. Despite that, they have not come forward to clear their dues. Now, we have decided to file certificate cases against all of them," he said, adding that the cases would be filed in a phased manner.

Official sources said the decision had been taken keeping in view the geographical enhancement of the civic body's area. The corporation needs more money with new areas coming under its jurisdiction.

The newly formed Rourkela Municipal Corporation has decided to raise its revenue through various means and one of the sources is to collect taxes for civic services. The erstwhile municipality used to collect taxes for holdings, water, street lights and drainage.

The present corporation, which is without elected members and being managed by the commissioner, has decided to collect all dues pending under the mentioned heads.

For the financial year 2015-16, the corporation has decided to collect Rs 4.8 crore through taxes. The outstanding amount remains Rs 2.87 crore despite reminders to the residents.

"We will go after the defaulters, who owe big amounts and set an example for others," said Mohapatra.

He said: "Let no one remain complacent that nothing will happen. The certificate case is a very strong weapon."

Among various provisions under this, the corporation can seize property, bank accounts, personal vehicles and also take other stringent measures.

"We have urged all the defaulters to save themselves from unnecessary litigation by clearing their dues," said the commissioner.