PUNE: Smaller property owners expecting tax concessions from the civic administration, as promised by political leaders, continue to wait. During the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) budget announcement, no general tax waiver for properties up to 500 square feet was mentioned, contrasting with the policies of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had included a tax waiver in its manifesto for the recent civic elections. However, the PMC has only offered a 50% discount for small properties, and this benefit applies exclusively to properties owned by women. Civic activists have deemed this announcement a betrayal of public trust.
“The parties had promised a comprehensive waiver, which would have been beneficial for many. The ruling party has let the people down. Only a select few will gain, and the promises seem to lack substance,” stated Vivek Velankar from the citizens’ group Sajag Nagrik Manch.
“We plan to introduce more relief measures soon. The initial step is providing a waiver for women property owners,” remarked standing committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale during a press briefing on Tuesday.
According to PMC’s budget data, there are approximately 14.92 lakh properties under its jurisdiction. As of February 19, 2026, owners of around 11.10 lakh properties have paid tax amounting to Rs 2,713.60 crore. PMC aims to generate Rs 3,250 crore in revenue by March 31, 2026.
The budget document also revealed plans to initiate an ‘Abhay Yojana’ (amnesty scheme) to recover penalty taxes related to unauthorized constructions. Property owners will receive incentives through waivers on fines and accrued interest, and Lok Adalats will be set up to address ongoing disputes. Special monthly camps will be conducted in 15 ward offices to educate citizens about tax collection and revenue generation, with a focus on property registration, assessments, and resolving pending cases. The self-assessment facility will be reintroduced as well.
Additionally, the civic administration will pursue the state government to implement property tax assessments in newly merged areas in phases, aiming to establish essential amenities in those regions.
The budget documents also indicate that PMC has yet to recover around Rs 4,770 crore in dues from mobile tower operators.
