Property Tax collection increases by 36 pc this year

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

This year, the municipal corporation collected Rs 236.19 crore through property tax and water tax. Out of 3.19 lakh property owners, 1.42 lakh paid their taxes. By midnight on March 31, revenue of Rs 213.39 crore had been collected. Compared to last year, this represents an increase of 36 per cent.

However, water charge collections declined. Last year, Rs 24.40 crore were collected, whereas this year the figure stands at Rs 22.80 crore; a decrease of 6 per cent.

Mayor Sameer Rajurkar said that efforts will be made to double the collection figures next year. Speaking to the media persons, he said that officers and staff across all zones worked very hard, resulting in increased collections. Nevertheless, this is still not satisfactory, as 60 per cent of property owners have not paid their taxes.

He added that fundamental changes in the collection system are necessary. Greater use of advanced technology and simplification of the tax payment process will be required. Discussions have already been held with commissioner G Sreekanth and deputy commissioner Vikas Navale in this regard. The Town Planning (TP) section also performed well, generating revenue of Rs 201 crore.

The mayor emphasised that the municipal corporation must become financially strong, as the city’s development depends on it. He also appealed to property owners to cooperate by paying their taxes.

Help desk in every zone

At present, an ordinary citizen has to visit multiple desks in zone offices to pay tax. A single help desk will be established in each zone to avoid inconvenience. Strict action will be taken against any officer or employee found harassing taxpayers.

Demand note distribution system

Property tax demand notes should be distributed between April 1 and June 30. The municipal corporation plans to adopt a system similar to that used by the electricity distribution company for bill delivery. This will free up staff to identify new properties and track changes in existing ones.

Comparative property tax figures

2025–26: Rs 213.39 crore

2024–25: Rs 156.90 crore

Increase: 36 pc

Comparative water charges figures

2025–26: Rs 22.80 crore

2024–25: Rs 24.40 crore

Decrease: 6 pc