Residents of Newly Integrated Villages Around Pune Grapple with Higher Taxes; Seek Solution From State Govt

After being incorporated into the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) in 2020, residents of 34 surrounding villages are now facing a significant increase in taxes, stirring discontent and prompting political promises for a resolution.

The integration has inadvertently subjected these residents to elevated tax rates, causing concern among the local population. Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister and a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has committed to revisiting the tax structure following the Lok Sabha elections.

Prior to these elections, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had put a temporary stop to the collection of these augmented taxes from the newly integrated areas. However, due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct during the elections, the necessary formal approval for this halt could not be secured in a cabinet meeting. Despite this setback, Ajit Pawar remains optimistic that the administration will resolve the tax issues once the elections conclude.

Adding to the complexity, Fadnavis has proposed the formulation of a new tax policy that better aligns with the actual infrastructure available in these regions. He pointed out the frustration among residents who feel the pinch of higher taxes but see no corresponding improvement in infrastructure. Fadnavis referenced a similar past issue in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area, which was effectively resolved, suggesting a potential model for addressing the current situation.

This issue is particularly sensitive as most of the affected villages are part of the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency, a region with significant political implications due to the influence of local leaders. Thus, the resolution of the tax dilemma has become not only a financial but also a political priority post-election.