- PMC Launches Amnesty Schemes: Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) recently introduced two property tax amnesty schemes to reduce defaulters, but it seems to have backfired.
- Financial Loss Incurred: The schemes have resulted in a staggering loss of ₹274 crore for PMC, with around one lakh property owners defaulting again.
- Details of the Schemes: The schemes offered discounts, waivers, and penalty reductions to delinquent property owners in the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
- Defaulters on the Rise: Despite benefiting from the amnesty schemes, a significant number of property owners have failed to pay their taxes, leading to a total loss of ₹274 crore for PMC.
- Concerns Raised: Vivek Velankar from Sajag Nagrik Manch criticized the schemes for not deterring defaulters and discouraging timely taxpayers.
- PMC’s Response: PMC officials have taken action against repeat defaulters by imposing fines, attaching properties, and even auctioning off properties to recover due taxes.
- Residents’ Views: Prompt taxpayers have expressed concerns over the repeated amnesty schemes, stating that they undermine civic discipline and discourage timely payments.
- PMC’s Efforts: The civic administration is taking stringent steps to recover dues from defaulters, including forming special squads at the ward office level.
- Impact on Timely Taxpayers: Diligent taxpayers feel their efforts are not being recognized, as defaulters continue to take advantage of amnesty schemes.
- Future Steps: PMC must reconsider its approach to recovering property taxes and ensure that such schemes do not create a culture of non-payment among property owners.
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