Residents in Pune have been voicing their frustrations with the lack of basic services provided by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). In response, some residents have refused to sign property tax consent forms until they see improvements in amenities. This has led to a significant property tax backlog of ₹1,245 crore in merged areas, with over 5 lakh properties in arrears.
A campaign was launched to address property tax defaults, but it was put on hold after concerns were raised about its economic impact before the Lok Sabha elections. Despite efforts to collect taxes, only ₹990 crore has been collected online and ₹610 crore offline, leaving a substantial amount unpaid.
The state government has stepped in to address residents’ concerns by halting property tax collections in merged villages due to the model code of conduct. Many residents have welcomed this decision, pointing out that PMC property taxes are much higher than those in local gram panchayats, despite the lack of equivalent services.
The PMC merged 34 villages in two phases, but the lack of local body elections in these areas has left residents without political representation. To address this issue, the state government has formed a committee led by the divisional commissioner to tackle the challenges faced by residents in the newly incorporated villages.
Some residents, like those in Wagholi, have taken their grievances to court, arguing that property tax collections should be paused until the PMC improves infrastructure. However, even after filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), little progress has been made in addressing the essential issues of water supply and waste collection.
Many residents are disillusioned with the outcomes of the merger, as five years later, they still struggle with water shortages, poor roads, and inadequate waste management. These issues are expected to be significant factors in the upcoming elections.
The Haveli Taluka Nagari Kriti Samiti has also filed a PIL challenging the merger of the 34 villages. The state government’s decision to halt property tax collections in these villages has been widely supported, as residents feel that the tax rates are disproportionately high considering the lack of services provided.
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