Pune News: PCMC Targets Revenue Boost with Drone Surveys for Property Tax Assessment
Tax Burden on Defaulters' Share Certificates; Ineligible for Society Elections
In an effort to simplify property tax collection, the municipality has developed a user-friendly system and initiated a drone survey of properties to bring all properties under the tax net, which is expected to increase municipal revenue. Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh provided this information.
The property tax assessment and collection department is working on property tax collection and assessment for buildings and land in the city. By using geo-sequencing, new property numbers are being assigned to all properties in the municipal area after visiting the actual sites. To offer citizens quick and easy services, new online facilities for property tax assessment, re-assessment, self-evaluation, property registration, discount schemes, property transfers, and tax receipts are being introduced. Additionally, substantial discounts are provided to women, disabled individuals, and societies implementing eco-friendly projects. Commissioner Shekhar Singh noted that the initiative has received a good response from taxpayers, with many citizens benefiting from various discounts by paying their taxes on time.
The municipality is implementing several new initiatives using modern technology. Considering the increasing number of properties in the city, a drone survey is underway to measure each property in detail. This will bring unregistered properties into the tax system and address unauthorized constructions. The survey’s utility extends beyond property assessment to disaster management, construction permits, aerial marking, licensing, and the encroachment department.
Property tax is a major source of revenue for the municipality, with approximately 630,000 properties currently registered in the city. This number is expected to increase once the drone survey process is completed. In the financial year 2023-24, the tax collection department collected 977 crores in taxes, a historic record for the municipality. Previous surveys in 2013 and 2021 found 35,000 and 21,000 new properties, respectively. The current survey aims to identify any remaining unregistered properties using advanced technology.
Geo-Sequencing to Ensure Consistency
New property numbers are being assigned by visiting each property in the municipal area. This will help in the assessment of new, expanded, or usage-changed properties, thereby increasing municipal revenue. Continuous property registration will ensure ease in locating any property, and future tasks like billing, collection, and notice distribution will be streamlined.
Digital Locker Facility
A digital locker will be provided to update property information and maps based on field surveys. Citizens will be able to access property information and tax receipts through their registered mobile numbers. The municipality aims to offer this digital locker facility to citizens.
Unique Property ID
Citizens will use a Unique Property ID to handle various municipal tasks through a single ID, ensuring digital privacy. The ID will include zone number, group number, block number, building number, and property number. This will help coordinate with other departments and simplify property transactions.
The municipality is receiving positive responses from citizens through simplified tax collection methods and various discounts. Under the project completion, property tax bills are distributed by 400 women from self-help groups under the Women Economic Development Corporation’s control. Within 50 days this financial year, bill distribution was completed. Timely information about discounts and tax bills has led to 56.10% of property owners paying over 434 crores in the first quarter. This is a satisfactory outcome. The expected revenue from property tax this year is 1,100 crores.
