Pune's Property Tax Decision for Merged Villages Expected in Two Days: Ajit Pawar

Reported by Mubarak Ansari

Pune, 18th November 2025: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Pune’s Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar has directed officials to resolve basic civic issues in the 23 merged villages on priority. He also stated that the Urban Development Department will announce the final decision on property tax for these areas within the next two days.

Pawar issued these instructions during a virtual review meeting with senior officials of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Additional Commissioners Prithviraj B.P. and Pavneet Kaur, along with heads of various departments, were present.

During the meeting, Pawar emphasized the need for the PMC to remain alert to the rising public opposition over the proposed property tax hike in the merged villages. Residents have been demanding clarity after the Urban Development Department recently directed that property tax in these areas be levied at double the gram panchayat rates, while also putting a temporary stay on tax recovery until the reassessment is completed.

Officials informed that although the temporary freeze on tax collection has affected the PMC’s revenue, ongoing civic works—ranging from water supply and road repairs to street lighting and sewage management—have continued. Over the past year, projects worth ₹1,113 crore have been executed in the merged villages, according to the PMC.

Pawar revisited the pending property tax issue and assured that the Urban Development Department’s final decision will be communicated to the PMC within 48 hours. He also instructed the administration to immediately address low water pressure, damaged roads, and serious gaps in waste management across the merged areas.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is responsible for the administration and management of civic services in the city of Pune. The recent merger of 23 villages into the city has brought significant challenges, including the need to integrate these areas into the existing civic infrastructure and address the concerns of the new residents.

In response to the ongoing issues, Pawar has called for a comprehensive and transparent approach to ensure that the merged villages receive the necessary attention and resources. The final decision on property tax is expected to provide clarity and relief to residents, while also ensuring that the PMC can continue to fund essential services and projects in these areas.