Tax Turmoil in Newly Incorporated Villages: Pune Residents Decry Steep Property Tax Hikes
Pune, 4th March 2024: Residents of the villages newly incorporated into the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) area are facing triple property tax charges, and the collection of dues is being enforced rigorously. In response to the situation, Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of Pune District Ajit Pawar issued a directive on Sunday (3rd March) instructing the Pune PMC to halt the collection of dues. Pawar emphasized the need for a strategic decision in this matter and proposed holding a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Residents of the affected villages are expressing frustration over the steep increase in property tax and fines. Additionally, encroachment actions are being taken. In light of these concerns, citizens and representatives of societies from 34 villages met with Guardian Minister Pawar at the government rest house on Sunday to voice their grievances.
During the meeting, citizens discussed various issues, including property tax arrears, encroachment actions, and water problems. Responding to their concerns, Pawar stated, “Citizens are lodging complaints about the forceful collection of property tax from those in arrears, property confiscation, and other issues in the newly included villages. Action is being taken against unauthorized constructions.”
Ajit Pawar conveyed that there will be a meeting with Chief Minister Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, and instructed the PMC Commissioner to halt actions until a policy decision is reached. The meeting included the presence of Maharashtra State Commission for Women Chairperson Rupali Chakankar, along with MLAs Bhimrao Tapkir, Sunil Tingre, Chetan Tupe, and PMC Commissioner Vikram Kumar.
Addressing the water issue raised by Sachin Gawde and Jayashree Punekar, residents of Silver Hills Society in Undri, Pawar recommended to the Commissioner that water supply to Undri should be facilitated through tankers, ensuring an ample and efficient water distribution to the residents.
