Indian Express 29.12.2009
Soon, no property tax for defence personnel
Pune is set to strengthen its tag of a haven for defence personnel with the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) and the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) making progress in a move to exempt them from property tax. The PCMC general body passed a resolution in this regard on December 23 and in September, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) had passed such a resolution that is waiting for the final nod.
Though there is no data readily available with Pune, Khadki and Dehu Road cantonments on the number of defence personnel wanting to settle down in Pune, running through Pune and dozens of defence institutes, it was learnt that there are thousands of them opting for it.
“After the resolution was passed, we invited objections and suggestions from people on December 11. The last date for suggestions was December 25. Many defence welfare associations feel that all defence personnel, regardless of how many years they have served, should get the benefit. We will meet them in the coming week also. The final proposal will be tabled in the general body meeting and sent to the state government for approval by the last week of January,” said Vilas Kanade, PMC property tax department chief.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Mayor Yogesh Behl said, “A lot of ex-servicemen approached us requesting property tax exemption for defence personnel. I tabled the proposal in the standing committee meeting, where it was passed. Initially, the plan was to give 50 per cent exemption, which was later revised to 100 per cent. Likewise, the earlier decision to grant exemption only to flats up to 1,500 sq ft was amended to cover 1,800 sq ft.”
Behl said defence personnel would get exemption only for the house they live in. The exemption would lapse after the death of the beneficiary and his wife. Also, there would be no waiver for carrying out commercial activities.
Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Asheesh Sharma said that all defence personnel eligible for pension would get this benefit.
The PCMC is now examining whether the file is to be sent to the Urban Development Ministry for approval, in which case, the exemption would come into effect by the end of the financial year. “The Act does not provide for retrospective effect. The exemption would be effective from the next financial year, subject to approval of the state expected by March,” he said. Brig (Rtd) ST Rangarajan, a resident of Hadapsar Army Welfare Housing Society, praised the move of the civic bodies. “It is welcome. For an officer of my rank, paying property tax is not a big issue, but the sop will be useful for JCOs and soldiers. Such decision merits appreciation,” he said.
