Pune Citizens' Forum Opposes New Property Tax Amnesty Scheme, Citing Financial Losses
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is considering a new property tax amnesty scheme, but the Sajag Nagrik Manch has strongly opposed it, citing significant financial losses and repeated misuse in the past.
Property TaxPuneAmnesty SchemeSajag Nagrik ManchFinancial LossesReal Estate PuneNov 04, 2025
In a letter addressed to the Municipal Commissioner, Sajag Nagrik Manch President Vivek Velankar said that PMC had implemented similar amnesty schemes in 2020–21 and 2021–22, which caused major revenue losses. “During 2020–21, as many as 1,49,683 defaulters availed of the scheme, but the waiver of penalties and interest resulted in a loss of around ₹210 crore to the civic body. The following year, 66,454 property owners participated, leading to another loss of ₹64 crore,” Velankar said.
He added that, according to data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, a large number of those who benefited from the previous amnesty schemes have once again defaulted on property tax payments. “Such schemes are unfair to citizens who pay their taxes on time. They reward habitual defaulters and encourage non-compliance. Hence, PMC should not even consider launching a new amnesty scheme,” Velankar stated.
If the corporation insists on introducing a new scheme, Velankar suggested that those who benefited from earlier amnesty programs but have since defaulted again should be excluded. He also proposed that defaulters participating in the new scheme must submit an undertaking pledging timely payments in the future. “If they default again, the penalties and interest waived earlier should be recovered,” he said.
Data obtained through RTI further revealed that 63,518 (42%) of the beneficiaries from the 2020–21 scheme had defaulted again by December 2024, while 44,685 (67%) of those who availed of the 2021–22 scheme had also become defaulters once more. Velankar emphasized that instead of giving repeated relaxations, PMC should focus on strict recovery measures to ensure financial discipline and fairness to honest taxpayers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proposed property tax amnesty scheme in Pune?
The proposed property tax amnesty scheme in Pune is a plan by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to allow property tax defaulters to clear their dues without penalties and interest.
Why is the Sajag Nagrik Manch opposing the scheme?
The Sajag Nagrik Manch is opposing the scheme because it has caused significant financial losses in the past and rewards habitual defaulters, which is unfair to citizens who pay their taxes on time.
What financial losses have been reported from previous amnesty schemes?
In 2020–21, the scheme resulted in a loss of ₹210 crore, and in 2021–22, it led to a loss of ₹64 crore for the Pune Municipal Corporation.
What does Sajag Nagrik Manch suggest if the scheme is introduced again?
Sajag Nagrik Manch suggests excluding those who benefited from earlier amnesty programs but have since defaulted again and requiring defaulters to submit an undertaking to pay taxes on time in the future.
What alternative measures does Sajag Nagrik Manch recommend?
Sajag Nagrik Manch recommends that the PMC focus on strict recovery measures to ensure financial discipline and fairness to honest taxpayers instead of offering repeated amnesty schemes.
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