Pune: Maharashtra Government Halts Property Tax Arrears Collection in Recently Incorporated Villages in PMC

Pune, 12th March 2024: In a significant move, the Maharashtra State Government announced on Monday the suspension of property tax arrears collection in the villages affected by recent changes. Given that a majority of these villages fall within the Shirur and Baramati Lok Sabha constituencies, the decision is expected to have political implications, potentially benefiting Ajit Pawar.

The Taxation and Tax Collection Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had imposed triple property tax on the villages newly incorporated into PMC. This led to a vigorous campaign for arrears recovery, prompting dissatisfaction among the residents of the affected villages. In response to this, villagers met with Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar last week. At that meeting, Pawar directed the PMC Commissioner and Administrator Vikram Kumar to refrain from recovering the dues until a comprehensive decision was made.

During a program held on Sunday (10th), Pawar provided a clear indication of the forthcoming resolution. The issue of property tax penalties in the 34 involved villages will be addressed like the approach taken by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Until a final decision is reached, the PMC has been instructed not to impose penalties for property tax arrears. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had previously stated that the government would soon decide on this matter, and it was subsequently approved during a cabinet meeting.

This decision has sparked discussions about the potential political advantages for Ajit Pawar, with some opposition from the Thackeray group. Sanjay More, the Thackeray group’s city chief, has called for justice for all in response to this decision.