In a bold and unconventional move, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is turning to the power of music to encourage property tax defaulters to settle their dues. Launching a unique initiative, PMC will deploy a musical band to play in front of the homes of tax evaders, beginning this distinctive campaign from Monday.
This innovative approach is part of PMC’s larger effort to ensure the collection of outstanding property taxes, with the municipality facing significant arrears totaling approximately Rs. 5,000 crore within its limits. The municipality has set a target of Rs. 2,400 crore for property tax recovery in the current financial year and has already successfully recovered Rs. 2,000 crore, showcasing the efficacy of PMC’s measures.
To further streamline the process, PMC will directly send letters to registered residential societies for the recovery of property tax arrears from flat holders, targeting the city’s 2 lakh residential properties.
Madhav Jagtap, Head of the Taxation and Tax Collection Department, stressed the importance of timely tax payments to avoid legal repercussions. Property owners are urged to fulfill their tax obligations promptly to evade confiscation proceedings, as PMC tightens its grip on defaulters.
In response to backlog and delays in tax collection, Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar has allocated an additional 150 employees to the Taxation and Tax Collection Department to bolster administrative proceedings and ensure smoother tax collection processes.
PMC has issued notices to property tax defaulters, mandating the settlement of outstanding dues within seven days. Failure to comply will result in seizure notices, followed by a 21-day window for property owners to settle their dues. Properties facing non-payment or lack of response will undergo assessment by the Construction and Property Management Department, with auction proceeds to be publicly disclosed.
As the musical band prepares to serenade the streets, PMC’s message to property tax defaulters is clear: Settle your dues or face the music. With stringent measures in place and a relentless pursuit of tax recovery, PMC is determined to bring property tax evaders to account.
