Kadaba: In a remarkable milestone for rural administration, Kadaba taluk has secured the first position not only in Dakshina Kannada district but also across Karnataka in tax collection, achieving 103 per cent of its annual target for the current financial year.
Since being declared a separate taluk, Kadaba has consistently maintained its top rank in tax collection, and this year's performance further strengthens its reputation as a model for efficient grassroots governance.
The taluk's 21 gram panchayats have collectively surpassed their assigned target of ₹3.34 crore by collecting over ₹3.41 crore. Notably, all panchayats achieved 100 per cent collection of the current year's demand, making it a historic accomplishment.
This achievement is particularly significant as it was accomplished even before the end of the financial year in March, reflecting strong administrative efficiency and public participation.
Among the top contributors, Subrahmanya gram panchayat led the tally by collecting over ₹1 crore in taxes. Other notable performers include Nelyadi with ₹33 lakh, Kokradi with ₹29 lakh, Ramakunja with ₹20 lakh, and Kutrupadi with ₹19 lakh.
Further contributions came from Belandoor (₹17 lakh), Savanur (₹16.5 lakh), Alankaru (₹16.4 lakh), Bilinele (₹15 lakh), and Maradhal (₹15 lakh). All gram panchayats exceeded 100 per cent of their respective targets.
Officials attributed the success to strong public participation and awareness. Excluding old arrears, residents across the taluk cleared their current year's taxes in full, demonstrating a high level of civic responsibility.
The achievement also reflects the coordinated efforts of panchayat development officers, bill collectors, and local administrative staff, who conducted extensive tax collection drives across villages.
Kadaba's performance stands out in comparison to other taluks in Dakshina Kannada. While Kadaba recorded 103 per cent collection, Moodbidri achieved 99 per cent, Ullal 96 per cent, Sullia 95 per cent, and Beltangady 94 per cent.
Other taluks such as Mulki (91 per cent), Puttur (90 per cent), Bantwal (89 per cent), and Mangaluru (85 per cent) followed, bringing the district's overall tax collection to 92 per cent.
Naveen Kumar Bhandari H, Executive Officer of the taluk panchayat, highlighted that timely payment of taxes is a key responsibility of citizens for enabling rural development.
He noted that the government had offered a five per cent rebate for early payments during the initial three months of the financial year, which encouraged taxpayers to clear dues promptly.
Additionally, targeted awareness campaigns and door-to-door collection drives by gram panchayats played a crucial role in achieving the milestone.
Kadaba taluk's achievement of exceeding its tax collection target with 103 per cent performance sets a benchmark for rural governance in Karnataka. With full participation from all gram panchayats and strong public cooperation, the taluk has demonstrated how effective administration and civic responsibility can drive development.
The success is expected to translate into improved infrastructure and services, reinforcing the importance of timely tax compliance in strengthening grassroots institutions.