Pune: PMC Faces Backlash For Continuing To Levy Fire Premium Charges Despite State Government’s Order
Pune, 27th June 2023: Maharashtra state government’s directive to Municipal Corporations regarding the charging of only ‘Fire and Emergency Services’ fees, while ceasing various fire fighting charges levied during the construction permission process, has faced delays in implementation by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
While the State Government approved the ‘Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations’ (UDPCR) in 2020, instructing Municipal Corporations and Municipalities to stop levying fire infrastructure charges during construction plan approvals, the PMC is yet to fully adhere to these guidelines.
The decision to stop levying fire infrastructure charges has had a significant impact on the income received by the municipal corporation from building permits. In response, the PMC had decided to increase the fire premium and service charges. The increased rates were substantial, with a nearly 665 percent rise for buildings measuring 15 to 24 meters in height, and a 458 percent increase for buildings measuring 24 to 36 meters in height. Buildings of 36 to 40 meters and 40 to 45 meters in height experienced fee increases of 57 percent and 14 percent, respectively.
However, the state government recognized the concerns raised by the construction sector and took steps to amend the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Protection Measures Act, 2006, removing fire premium charges and fire infrastructure charges. In their place, the government introduced a consolidated ‘Fire and Emergency Service Fee’ to bring uniformity across municipalities. Separate orders were issued, instructing municipalities to implement these changes from May 30.
Despite the changes in the law, it has come to light that the PMC has not yet implemented the new fee structure, causing dissatisfaction among stakeholders. Builders and members of the construction sector approached the state government, highlighting the absence of provisions for fire premium charges by the government and the PMC’s continued levy of such charges.
Sudhir Kulkarni of the Civil Rights Organization demanded immediate implementation of the state government’s order. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and urged the PMC to rectify the delay in implementing the revised fee structure.
The newly applicable rates for the ‘Fire and Emergency Service Fee’ are as follows: 0.25 percent for residential buildings up to 45 meters in height, 0.50 percent for residential buildings above 45 meters in height, 0.75 percent for commercial buildings up to 45 meters in height, and 1 percent for commercial buildings above 45 meters in height.
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