In a significant development, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has directed officials of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to revise property tax rates for the recently merged 34 villages, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on residents. The move comes amidst allegations of exorbitant taxation levied by PMC on these areas, which often lack basic amenities despite being incorporated into the city.
During a meeting with the Urban Development Department, Pawar instructed PMC to cap property taxes in the merged villages at double the amount previously collected by gram panchayats. This decision is expected to bring considerable relief to over 10 lakh residents, who have been burdened with property tax bills ranging from three to ten times the previous rates following the merger.
Expressing concern over the steep tax hikes, Pawar emphasized the need for fairness in taxation, ensuring that the burden on residents does not exceed reasonable limits. He underscored the importance of initiating legislative amendments promptly to implement the proposed changes.
However, municipal officials caution that the process may encounter delays, as amendments to existing laws require legislative action by the state government. Additionally, the impending model code of conduct further complicates the timeline for enacting such amendments.
Beyond its immediate implications for residents, Pawar’s directive is also viewed through a political lens, particularly considering that many of the affected villages fall within the Baramati or Shirur Lok Sabha constituencies. The move could potentially bolster support for Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party in these key electoral areas.
Residents from the merged villages have long lamented the lack of development initiatives despite being subjected to higher property taxes. PMC’s imposition of inflated tax bills without commensurate improvements in infrastructure has drawn criticism from locals, who compare their situation unfavorably to that of older parts of the city.
The 34 villages recently incorporated into PMC include Mhalunge, Sus, Kirkatwadi, Pisoli, Kondhwe-Dhawade, and others. Despite their integration into the municipal corporation, these areas continue to face disparities in essential services and infrastructure development.
