Pune, 12 February 2026: The civic body has moved to increase property tax by 5 per cent, triggering confusion and controversy after the administration earlier stated that no such decision had been taken.
The proposal has now been placed on the agenda of the February General Body meeting, where it will be discussed on February 18.
The decision comes as the civic administration prepares the PMC’s 2026–27 budget. As per norms, a decision on property tax must be taken before February 20. However, despite municipal elections being completed, the Standing Committee has not yet been formally constituted.
Last week, during a Standing Committee meeting, the property tax department had proposed a 10 per cent hike for the coming financial year. The proposal faced strong opposition from political parties and civic organisations. Following this, the Municipal Commissioner had publicly stated that no decision on a tax hike had been taken and that the issue would be reconsidered in the next meeting.
However, it later emerged that the Commissioner exercised his administrative powers to approve a reduced hike of 5 per cent and forwarded the proposal to the General Body. Even officials from the property tax department were reportedly unaware of this decision, as no formal communication was issued.
The move has intensified criticism of the Commissioner’s functioning, especially as there is an understanding that no major policy decisions should be taken until the Standing Committee is fully formed. Opposition leaders have pointed out that several approvals and tenders have already been cleared during this interim period.
Congress corporator Arvind Shinde had earlier criticised the administration on similar grounds in the civic house. With the property tax proposal now formally tabled, the issue is expected to draw further opposition, with political parties questioning whether the ruling BJP will reject the hike or push it through as a “gift” to citizens.
Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram said that, "since the Standing Committee could not arrive at a clear decision last week, it was agreed that the Commissioner would take a call on the matter. Accordingly, a proposal for a 5 per cent property tax increase has been placed before the General Body."
