Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation has announced that there will be no amnesty scheme for property tax arrears. Despite requests for such a scheme, citizens are being warned to pay their property taxes and outstanding dues before the end of the financial year, or face legal penalty actions.
The property tax department is a key revenue source for the Municipal Corporation, and in the 2024-25 budget, the corporation expected to generate ₹2,700 crores from property taxes. As of now, ₹2,151 crores have been collected, leaving just 11 days until the end of the fiscal year. Meeting the property tax target within this short time frame seems challenging, with a shortfall of approximately ₹400 crores. Political pressure had led to demands for an amnesty scheme, which had caused many property owners to delay their payments, anticipating such a scheme. However, the Municipal Corporation has clarified that no amnesty scheme will be introduced.
If an amnesty scheme were to be introduced, it would be unfair to honest taxpayers, and it could create a habit among defaulters to rely on such schemes. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale has stated that introducing such a scheme could also lead to misuse. After political figures continued to press for the scheme, the administration remained firm on its stance. Some political leaders had even used the issue for personal promotion, adding confusion among the public.
Dr. Bhosale emphasized that timely payment of property taxes would enable the Municipal Corporation to speed up development projects in the city. Therefore, the public is urged to make their payments promptly.
Regarding the 2024-25 budget, the expected property tax revenue was ₹2,700 crores, factoring in the inclusion of 34 villages and increasing tax rates each year. However, with only a month remaining in the fiscal year, the current revenue is close to ₹2,000 crores. The property tax department claims that a significant shortfall occurred due to state government orders preventing action against defaulters in the newly included villages.
Additionally, there were rumors that the Municipal Corporation might introduce the amnesty scheme under political pressure, ahead of the municipal elections. After media reports highlighted these rumors, social organizations and several individuals raised concerns, opposing such a scheme. Meanwhile, some political figures used flex banners promoting the amnesty scheme, which only added to the confusion among citizens, leading many to delay their payments in anticipation of the scheme.
In response to these developments, the Municipal Corporation has made it clear that no amnesty scheme will be implemented. Property owners are warned that failure to pay taxes and arrears will lead to legal actions.
Notice to Property Tax Inspectors for Failing to Meet Targets
The property tax collection and assessment department had set a target for employees to collect taxes from 10 property owners daily, with employees’ holidays being canceled until the end of March. Despite these efforts, it is clear that the target for property tax collection will not be met this year.
Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. stated that inspectors were not given unrealistic targets, but some inspectors have failed to meet even the reduced collection targets. Notices will be issued to those inspectors who have not met their goals.
