The minister claimed that this scheme was part of the state government's programme to make Kolkata a 'city of blue'. The colour blue symbolised anti-depression and would make city dwellers healthy and the city would look nicer, Hakim said. The minister also asked members about their views, whether blue-white coloured houses would look nicer or ones painted in dull colours.

The documents pertaining to the decision are being sent to the state government's Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Department for ratification, officials said. An amendment to Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act has to be passed in the state assembly before the waiver of Taxes can come into force, officials said.

Civic officials said that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act has no provision to waive the property tax and it has to be sent to the state government that will bring an amendment to the act in the assembly. Road dividers, flyovers, police stations, the new secretariat has already turned blue and white in the city three years ago.

With PTI and IANS inputs.