Centre refuses to grant 'Metro' status to Bengaluru city

Bengaluru, the IT capital of India, has once again been denied the coveted metro status. The central government has reiterated its stance, citing existing policies that differentiate between metro cities and other regions. This decision was confirmed during the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament by the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary.

Currently, India recognizes four major cities-Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai-as metros. This status is not merely symbolic; it brings with it several financial perks, most notably in the realm of taxation. One significant benefit is the House Rent Allowance (HRA) tax exemption. For employees in metro cities, 50% of their salary is considered for computing HRA exemption limits under Section 10(13A) of the Income-tax Act. In contrast, employees in non-metro cities, including Bengaluru, have a lower limit of 40%.

Bengaluru's exclusion from the metro list has practical implications for its residents, particularly in terms of tax liabilities. With its growing population and status as a leading IT hub, many argue that Bengaluru deserves the same financial considerations as the officially recognized metros. The metro status would have eased the tax burden for many residents, providing them with higher HRA exemptions.

Minister Pankaj Chaudhary made it clear that the government has no plans to alter the current policy. He stated, "It has been the stated policy of the Government to rationalise tax rates and move away from exemptions and deductions. Therefore, designating more cities as metro cities and extending the benefit of a higher exemption limit on HRA to such cities contradicts the stated policy."

The decision is a setback for Bengaluru, which has been lobbying for metro status for years. The city has experienced monumental growth over the past few decades, transforming from a quiet retirement haven to a vibrant, multicultural metropolis. The IT boom has played a crucial role in this transformation, attracting a diverse population and leading to rapid urban development.

Local leaders and residents have expressed their disappointment. Many believe that the metro status is not only a matter of financial benefits but also a recognition of Bengaluru's contributions to the national economy. The city's infrastructure, cultural diversity, and economic significance have all grown exponentially, making a strong case for its inclusion as a metro city.

Despite this setback, Bengaluru continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural hub. Local authorities and industry leaders are likely to continue their efforts to secure metro status, emphasizing the benefits it would bring to the city's residents and its overall development.

Source: Mint