Pune: Suspension of User Fee Collection Brings Relief to Pimpri-Chinchwad Residents
Sumit Singh
Pimpri Chinchwad, 20th December 2023: The Maharashtra state government has decided to suspend the collection of user charges with interest from the property owners of Pimpri-Chinchwad, providing much-needed relief to the common people of the city. This decision follows the persistent efforts of MLA Mahesh Landge, who successfully advocated for the cancellation of user fee collection during the recent monsoon session in Mumbai.
During the session, MLA Landge, representing the Bhosari Assembly Constituency, raised the issue urging the authorities to annul the user fee collection in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Housing Society Federation and MLA Landge had been vocal opponents of this levy. Responding to the concerns, the state government assured a thorough discussion on the matter, leading to the recent decision to suspend the user fee collection.
Various people’s representatives from different political parties, former corporators, and diverse organizations had vehemently opposed the user fee of Rs 60 per month, along with interest accrued over the last four years. The user fee, spanning from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2024, had been a burden on the property owners, who found themselves included in the property tax bracket due to this additional financial strain. The laxity of the administration and officials further fueled discontent among the common property owners.
As the Nagpur winter session approached, MLA Landge proposed an innovative solution, garnering attention and support. A meeting with the Chief Minister was suggested, and until a resolution is reached, the collection of user fees by the municipal administration has been temporarily suspended. This decision is expected to benefit approximately 6 lakh property owners in Pimpri-Chinchwad, resulting in an annual saving of around 32 crore rupees for the residents.
Landge, expressing his views on the matter, stated, “The municipal administration’s imposition of user fees from 2019 to 2023, coupled with interest charges, had placed a burden on the common property owners. Continuous advocacy during the Nagpur winter session has finally borne fruit, with the state government ordering the suspension of user fee collection. A positive outcome is anticipated in the upcoming meeting with the Chief Minister.”
