Urban News

The PMC and the PCMC had decided a few months ago to waive the general component of property tax for those who served in the forces. But district sainik welfare office said the scheme had a flaw as the benefit was applicable to only those drawing pension, thus disqualifying about 7,000 ex-servicemen. These 7,000 included those who retired before 1985 and those who served under short service commission.

Now, those who have put in short service for the defence feel cheated. Capt (Retd) Mohan Mahajan said, “I have given five golden years of my life for the country. I should also get the benefit like other ex-servicemen.” Mahajan who retired in 1987 said, “The civic body should understand that the very purpose of the gesture shown towards defence personnel gets defeated if there is discrimination.”

“Groups of ex-servicemen had approached the civic body seeking tax relief in property tax. The proposal was prepared as per the discussion with them but it has now been brought to our notice that not all ex-servicemen will benefit,” said PCMC Additional Commissioner Subhash Dumbre.

Dumbre said the district sainik welfare office has asked them to reconsider this clause. “We forgot to consult the welfare office. The definition of ex-servicemen includes those from short service commission,” he said.

Meanwhile, PMC has made good the shortcoming by its counterpart. “The PMC wants to give the benefit to all ex-servicemen and would recognise all those who are registered with the district sainik office,” said Vilas Kanade, PMC Tax Assessment and Collection Officer. District Sainik welfare officer Lt Col (Rtd) S S Karajgi said, “The PMC made the changes in the clause to enable all the ex-servicemen to benefit from the scheme.”