Pune: PMC Faces Property Tax Collection Challenges After Merger, 18000 Properties Out Of Ambit 

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is grappling with tax collection issues following the merger of several areas. Approximately 18,000 properties in these merged areas are yet to be included in the tax ambit, resulting in a revenue loss of about Rs 80 crore.

The PMC has identified 45 officials who failed to perform their duties properly in this regard. These officials will face disciplinary action, including a fine equivalent to one month’s salary. Show cause notices have been issued, and further action will be taken if they are found guilty.

To address the issue, PMC has introduced a system for regular transfers of tax assessment staff to enhance efficiency. Ward offices and the head of the PMC’s tax department are now required to be more involved in speeding up tax assessments.

Balwadkar

Before the 2017 merger of 11 areas, PMC managed around 8.5 lakh properties. Post-merger, this number rose to 10 lakh with the addition of 1.5 lakh properties. By 2021, following the merger of 23 more villages, the total number of properties reached approximately 12.5 lakh. PMC levies include municipal tax, general tax, water bill, cleaning tax, fire tax, tree conservation tax, road tax, education tax, and other facility charges.

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Activists demand action against senior officials, alleging collusion with influential locals to avoid property assessments. This has led to substantial revenue losses for PMC. The total property tax recoverable from the 34 merged areas stands at Rs 1,245 crore.

A PMC drive to seal defaulter properties was halted due to complaints about high tax rates and poor infrastructure in the merged areas.

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