Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is intensifying its efforts to boost revenue collection, with the Property Tax Department, the corporation's primary revenue source, focusing on recovering substantial dues from mobile towers. In addition, plans are being laid to introduce property taxes for businesses operating within slum areas.
This year, the Property Tax Department has set a revenue target of ₹2,700 crore. However, a state government order has temporarily halted the collection of property tax dues from recently merged villages, making it challenging to meet the target. To address this, the department has shifted its attention to recovering ₹3,500 crore in dues from mobile towers in the city.
According to officials, over 70% of the mobile towers in Pune are unauthorized. Commercial rates are levied on these towers, and a penalty three times the regular tax is imposed on illegal structures. This has contributed to the significant backlog of dues.
While some mobile towers are entangled in legal disputes, a state government directive against recovery and action on mobile tower dues has further worsened the situation, as even tax-compliant companies have ceased payments.
Speaking with mediapersons, Deputy Commissioner of the Property Tax Department, Madhav Jagtap, stated that the department is in communication with the state government to pursue these recoveries actively.
Property Taxes for Slum-Based Businesses
PMC currently collects nominal service charges from slum residents. However, the number of businesses operating in slum areas has increased significantly, including shops selling essential goods, mobile stores, and even jewelry shops. Many of these establishments have permanent structures.
The Property Tax Department plans to prepare a proposal for imposing property taxes on such businesses. A survey will be conducted to identify commercial establishments in slum areas. Decisions regarding the tax implementation will be taken based on the survey findings, informed Madhav Jagtap.
