The Times of India  04.09.2010

PUNE: Starting October 2010, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will execute the state government's notification to impose a two per cent penalty on property tax defaulters.

The state government on May 31, 2010, issued a notification, according to which the civic body has been authorised to impose a fine of two per cent every month if the property tax is not paid in the given period of time.

For the year 2010-11 property tax for the first six months has to be paid before September 30, 2010, and those who fail to pay it will have to pay a two per cent penalty on the tax amount every month till the tax is paid. The second instalment of the property tax has to be paid before December 31, 2010.

"The standing committee on Friday approved the proposal to impose a penalty. This will help the PMC to collect property tax on time and even citizens will respond positively to paying on time," said standing committee chairman, Arvind Shinde while speaking to reporters.

In the last two years, the PMC has brought nearly 80,000 properties under its tax net. However, an estimated 45,000 properties still remain out of its reach. The standing committee has repeatedly told the administration to make an effort to widen its tax net. Once the unassessed properties come under the tax net, the civic body is expected to get an additional revenue of Rs 100 to 150 crore.

The PMC's tax collection and assessment department has already submitted a plan to the standing committee. After octroi, property tax is a major source of revenue for the civic body. The department has proposed that digital pictures of all properties be taken for records and an aluminium plate be fixed on each property, identifying its survey number and other details.