Pune: Pimpri Chinchwad Identifies 2.54 Lakh New Properties, Boosts Tax Revenue Prospects

Pimpri Chinchwad, 5th September 2024: The Taxation and Tax Collection Department of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has completed 95% of the drone survey for properties and issued UPIC IDs to all of them. Out of 148 groups created, only 8 groups remain to be surveyed, and a total of 2.54 lakh new properties have been identified. This will result in approximately 8.75 lakh total properties being registered with PCMC, which is expected to boost revenue from property and water taxes.

The department has established 18 zones in Pimpri Chinchwad for tax collection. Out of the 148 groups, 140 have successfully assigned UPIC IDs to 8,47,487 properties. To date, 6,35,000 properties have been registered, while 60,000 new and old properties are still pending ID assignment. 2,54,000 properties have been numbered but not yet registered. Thus, there are currently 8,47,487 properties in the city. Of these numbered properties, 5,03,041 have been internally measured.

Architectural Consultants Pvt. Ltd. has been appointed as the agency for the property survey in Pimpri Chinchwad. This company is conducting surveys for new properties, changes in use, and property expansions using modern drones. Property taxation will be implemented in three stages:

1. First Phase: Newly identified properties will be included in the tax roll.
2. Second Phase: Changes in use and incremental constructions will be addressed.
3. Third Phase: Records for properties already taxed will be updated, with no increase in tax rates. For the 6,35,000 property owners whose usage has not changed, only their information will be updated, and no notices will be issued.

So far, 2,54,000 new properties have been identified in the survey conducted on behalf of PCMC. The hearing process for objections, suggestions, and complaints from about 57,000 property owners has begun. As a result, the first notification regarding taxation is being issued to these property holders, and its distribution is underway. The current demand of Rs 55 crores, combined with the pending demand of Rs 85 crores, will result in a total tax amount of Rs 140 crores for property holders.

Of the newly discovered properties, 14,500 have actually been billed. A total of Rs 30.84 crore is expected from these property holders. Of this amount, Rs 3 crore has already been paid into the PCMC treasury through scan code.

Hearing centres have been established at seven key locations in Pimpri Chinchwad to address concerns from property owners regarding newly discovered properties, incremental constructions, and changes in use. These hearings address differences in property area and changes that affect the taxable amount. Detailed hearings are conducted to resolve these issues.

Additionally, these centres handle all related matters such as indexing for citizens, name corrections, and updates to mobile numbers and email IDs promptly. There is no need for repeated visits for hearings. All systems from Architectural Consultants Pvt. Ltd. are available at the seven hearing centres, where minor queries from taxpayers are resolved on the spot.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh highlighted the city’s tech-savvy approach, noting successful data analysis, social media use, and outreach over the past two years. Key initiatives include comprehensive property surveys using satellite imagery and drones, with active citizen support. Singh expressed confidence in completing these projects swiftly and increasing PCMC’s revenue without raising taxes.

PCMC’s Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil noted significant success in recovering long-standing arrears over the past two years through technology-assisted confiscation and auctions. Despite doubling tax revenue, he emphasized the need for further increases. He believes the comprehensive property survey will be crucial for meeting current demands, having closely monitored officer performance and providing ongoing guidance.

Assistant Commissioner Nilesh Deshmukh, in charge of the Taxation Department, described developing the Taxation and Tax Collection department as a major challenge, requiring staff training and tech adoption. He appreciated the guidance and support from the commissioner and additional commissioner. Daily reviews of the property survey initiative are expected to sustain and boost income.