Pune : Property Tax Defaulters To Face Bandbaja, PMC’s Unconventional Tactic To Recover Dues
Pune: Survey for 40% Property Tax Exemption Underway in Vadgaon, Dhayari, and Hingane; 1,100 Homes Inspected
In an unconventional move, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is resorting to musical persuasion to compel property tax defaulters to settle their dues. As part of a broader campaign to ensure the collection of outstanding property taxes, PMC is set to deploy a musical band to play in front of the homes of tax evaders, starting this initiative from Monday.
The initiative comes amidst PMC’s vigorous efforts to achieve a 100 per cent target for consolidated property tax collection. With significant arrears amounting to approximately Rs. 5,000 crore within the municipal limits, PMC is leaving no stone unturned to recover these dues. A strict policy has been put in place, with the municipality setting a target of Rs. 2,400 crore for property tax recovery in this financial year.
Already, Rs. 2,000 crore has been successfully recovered, showcasing the effectiveness of PMC’s measures. To further expedite the process, letters will now be directly sent to registered residential societies for the recovery of property tax arrears from flat holders. This targeted approach aims to streamline tax collection from the city’s 2 lakh residential properties.
Madhav Jagtap, Head of the Taxation and Tax Collection Department, emphasized the importance of timely tax payments to avoid legal repercussions. Property owners are urged to fulfill their tax obligations promptly to evade confiscation proceedings, as PMC tightens its grip on defaulters.
In response to the backlog and delays in tax collection, Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar has allocated an additional 150 employees to the Taxation and Tax Collection Department. This move aims to bolster administrative proceedings and ensure smoother tax collection processes.
PMC has issued notices to property tax defaulters, mandating the settlement of outstanding dues within seven days. Failure to comply will result in seizure notices, followed by a 21-day window for property owners to settle their dues. Properties facing non-payment or lack of response will undergo assessment by the Construction and Property Management Department, with proceeds from auctions to be publicly disclosed.
As the musical band prepares to serenade the streets, PMC’s message to property tax defaulters is clear: Settle your dues or face the music. With stringent measures in place and a relentless pursuit of tax recovery, PMC is determined to bring property tax evaders to account.
