Pune: PMC Offers Tax Relief for Women Homeowners, 500 sq ft Poll Promise of BJP Still Pending

Pune, 24th March 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to offer a 50% property tax rebate for residential properties registered in the name of women, with the benefit applicable till March 31, 2026.

Civic officials said the move is aimed at encouraging property ownership among women and increasing registrations in their names. However, the decision has also triggered political debate, with questions being raised over the ruling BJP not fulfilling its poll promise of a blanket property tax waiver for houses up to 500 sq ft.

In its municipal election manifesto, the BJP had promised to waive property tax for homes measuring up to 500 sq ft.

The issue was raised during the first standing committee meeting of newly elected corporators held on February 26, where Congress group leader Ramchandra Kadam moved a proposal seeking tax exemption for such houses. The proposal did not face opposition from any party, and officials said the civic administration also did not raise objections in principle.

However, BJP members sought a detailed report from the administration on the financial feasibility of implementing a blanket tax waiver. The proposal was subsequently deferred, with members stating that a decision would be taken after reviewing the administration’s report.

As a result, no final decision on the 500 sq ft tax waiver could be taken in the first meeting, even as the civic body proceeded with the rebate for women property owners.