In a decisive move to boost revenue collection and address long-standing tax defaults, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has initiated the seizure of over 1000 properties from owners who have failed to pay property taxes. The crackdown is part of an aggressive campaign by the tax collection and taxation department to achieve a target of one thousand crores.
Pradeep Jambhale Patil, Additional Commissioner at PCMC, stated that expressions of interest have been invited to expedite the auction valuation process for the seized properties. Three Government Valuers’ applications have been received, and the legal auction will commence after their inclusion on the panel. Patil urged property owners to pay their taxes promptly to avoid further action, emphasizing that weekly reviews are being conducted at a personal level.
Nilesh Deshmukh, Assistant Commissioner at PCMC, highlighted the efforts made by the tax collection department, including appeals through social and traditional media. Each zone has been assigned a daily target for property seizures and tap connection closures, with the campaign set to intensify until March 31. Action is being taken against residential properties that have not paid taxes for 8 to 10 years despite financial capacity, in line with the Hon’ble Additional Commissioner’s instructions.
As of now, 1,012 property holders have faced direct action, 346 properties have been sealed, confiscation warrants issued for 538 properties, and the water connection of 128 property owners has been disconnected. The Municipal Corporation has issued a warning to intensify the campaign further, setting a daily target of at least 500 seizures and closures.
Property owners with outstanding amounts exceeding fifty thousand are at risk of having their properties seized or sealed by March 31, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The Municipal Corporation stresses the detrimental impact of non-payment on the municipality’s development.
In Pimpri Chinchwad city, with 615,000 registered properties, including residential, non-residential, commercial, and industrial, the Municipal Corporation has designated 17 zones for tax collection. The facility to pay taxes online and through various apps has been made available. In the current fiscal year, 431,000 property owners have deposited a total of Rs 746 crore in the municipal treasury.
Despite technological advancements, the Municipal Corporation is utilizing ‘Hi-Tech’ facilities to publicly announce foreclosure actions against flat holders in housing societies with tax arrears. All property owners are urged to pay their taxes promptly to avoid legal repercussions.
Outstanding Asset Breakdown:
- Residential: 1,82,665
- Non-residential: 22,165
- Industrial: 1,389
- Mixed: 6,526
- Vacancies: 5,402
- Others: 237
