Pune: PCMC Achieves Remarkable Water Tax Revenue Of Rs 78.57 Crore, Integration Strategy Pays Off

Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 1st April 2024: In a groundbreaking achievement, the Taxation And Tax Collection Department of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has reached a new pinnacle by collecting a record-high tax revenue of Rs 977 crores. Notably, a significant portion of this success can be attributed to the successful combination of tax collection and water tax collection, with PCMC collecting a water tax revenue of 78 crore 57 lakhs.

The decision to merge tax collection and water tax operations stemmed from a comprehensive study conducted by the PCMC administration, led by Commissioner Shekhar Singh and Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale-Patil. The initiative was implemented in the financial year 2023-24 under the adept supervision of Assistant Commissioner Nilesh Deshmukh, yielding remarkable results.

The water tax collection process saw a diverse range of methods employed, including check payments totaling 24 crores 41 lakhs, cash payments amounting to 19 crores 21 lakhs, online transactions summing up to 21 crores 43 lakhs, BBPS transactions accounting for 13 crores 32 lakhs, and app-based payments totaling 21 lakhs. This comprehensive approach resulted in a total water tax collection of 78 crores 57 lakhs.

In tandem with the robust tax collection efforts, the PCMC also intensified its focus on water bill collection during the financial year 2023-24. Over 300 property owners who had defaulted on water supply payments for several years faced disconnection of their taps. Through coordinated efforts between meter inspectors and the tax collection recovery team, outstanding water bill amounts surged from 60 crores to 80 crores.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh emphasized the ongoing tendering process for integrating property tax and water tax payments, which would streamline processes for citizens and optimize PCMC’s manpower resources. Additionally, considerations are underway to leverage the SCADA water supply system to monitor tap connections effectively, thereby addressing water leaks and enhancing service quality.

Echoing Commissioner Singh’s sentiments, PCMC Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil hailed the success of merging tax collection streams, highlighting the diligent efforts of tax collection staff and meter inspectors. Looking ahead, plans are being explored to integrate various municipal revenue sources through Smart City projects, underscoring the commitment to sustained revenue growth. Moreover, the crackdown on overdue water bill payments will persist, alongside efforts to address illegal tap connections, ensuring fiscal discipline and efficient service delivery.