Madurai corpn faces revenue dip amid licence delays, rent arrears

Madurai: A sharp decline in non-tax revenue has hit the Madurai Corporation, largely due to delays in shop licence renewals and a mounting backlog of rent payments from traders operating in corporation-owned commercial spaces.Corporation officials revealed that nearly 30% of the 3,378 shops across the city have not renewed their licences for the current financial year. Many of these traders also owe rent from previous years. Over 1,000 shops are operating without valid licences, in violation of civic regulations, resulting in significant revenue loss.As per corporation norms, shop licences must be renewed every three years, with all outstanding rent cleared before renewal. Monthly rents for these shops range from ₹2,000 to ₹12,000, depending on size and location.The revenue shortfall is further compounded by delays in opening two major commercial projects: the Periyar Shopping Complex and a set of shops near the underground parking facility at the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Both were completed months ago but remain non-operational due to pending clearances and other administrative holdups.Traders displaced after a fire in the temple's Mandapam area were promised priority in the new shopping complex. "The building is ready, but we're still waiting for possession. This delay is hurting our livelihoods," said R Kannan, secretary of the Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple Traders' Association.A senior revenue official from the corporation admitted the delays are affecting civic projects. "Non-tax revenue is crucial for infrastructure maintenance. Unpaid rents and licence lapses disrupt funding for essential services," the official said.To address the issue, the corporation has launched a compliance drive. Tax collection centres now remain open on weekends, and over 800 defaulters have been served warning notices. "Shops at key locations like Mattuthavani and the vegetable market have been closed for non-payment. Further legal action is under consideration," the official added.Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijan said efforts are underway to streamline payments. "QR code-enabled systems are being introduced to simplify rent and licence fee transactions across all zones," she said.Civic activists have urged swift action to open the completed facilities. "These projects were funded with public money. Leaving them unused is a waste of resources and lost revenue," said activist V P Manikandan.