PMC cancels incentive scheme started to identify property tax theft

By: Pune Pulse

October 26, 2023

Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), despite struggling to meet its revenue targets, has had the state government reverse its earlier decision to provide incentives to citizens for providing information on property tax theft.

Speaking to Pune Pulse, Ajit Deshmukh, Deputy Commissioner, PMC Tax Department said, “Yes, the scheme of incentives for citizens to tackle property tax theft has been scrapped by the state government as the PMC saw the possibility of its misuse by providing fake information and more.”

As per further information, despite providing discounts, rebates, and gifts such as vehicles to a select few for timely payment until August 2, the PMC was only able to collect nearly 60% of its revenue collection target of Rs 2,318 crore from property tax. It has now enlisted the help of staff from other municipal departments to increase the amount of money recovered by sealing, auctioning off properties, and dealing with tax-related legal issues.

Vikram Kumar, PMC Commissioner stated that the scheme’s implementation will hurt the dedication of city employees, who receive salaries for evaluating newly developed properties, properties with altered uses, and properties with expanded areas. There is no reward for the civic employees’ labour. Therefore, they may obtain the properties identified through a third party or organization in exchange for additional funding.

Shreyas Vange