Pune: PMC Resumes Property Tax Collection After Election Delay; Rs 10,000 Crore Arrears To Be Recovered

Pune, 28th November 2024: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has faced a significant setback in property tax collection due to the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections held this year. With the model code of conduct now lifted following the Assembly elections, the PMC is set to resume aggressive efforts to recover outstanding property taxes starting 1st December.

For the 2024-25 fiscal year, the PMC had set a property tax collection target of ₹2,728 crores. However, as of the end of November, only ₹1,775 crores have been collected, leaving a shortfall of ₹953 crores. To meet its annual target by 31st March 2025, the PMC’s property tax department is preparing to accelerate recovery measures.

In response to the mounting arrears, which have now crossed ₹10,000 crores, the PMC has initiated strict action against defaulters. Over the last two days, the corporation sealed 10 properties belonging to those who failed to pay their dues. Five specialized teams have been formed to expedite the recovery process from properties not involved in legal disputes.

The delays in tax collection have been attributed to election-related activities that kept many PMC employees engaged from March through June for the Lok Sabha elections and subsequently for the Assembly elections. Additionally, frequent transfers within the department further disrupted operations. As new staff adjusted to their roles, their focus shifted to election duties, leaving the tax collection department understaffed and underperforming.