PATNA: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has set a new record in property tax collection, amassing ₹125 crore in the fiscal year 2025-26, surpassing its target of ₹116 crore. This achievement is attributed to enhanced enforcement measures and the effective implementation of a one-time settlement scheme.
The tax collected this fiscal is ₹11 crore more than the ₹114 crore gathered in the 2024-25 financial year.
PMC officials noted that the total revenue from various sources reached around ₹250 crore, although these figures are provisional and may increase as calculations are finalized.
The municipal area encompasses 3.06 lakh holdings, with collections from government properties exceeding ₹28 crore. The Building Construction Department (BCD) emerged as the largest taxpayer from the government, contributing ₹15.80 crore. A N College followed as the second-highest contributor at ₹4.37 crore, while the CRPF paid ₹1.12 crore. The energy department and Patna Medical College and Hospital ranked fourth and fifth, contributing ₹93.98 lakh and ₹78.31 lakh, respectively.
The one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for holding tax played a crucial role in exceeding the target by addressing long-standing arrears. Valid until March 31, 2026, the scheme offered a 100% waiver on interest and penalties, enabling property owners to settle their accounts by paying only the principal amount. This initiative was particularly effective in encouraging major defaulters, such as government offices and educational institutions, to resolve debts that had accrued over decades due to accumulating interest.
Remarkably, for the first time since its establishment in 1952, A N College utilized this initiative to settle its holding tax. The institution originally owed approximately ₹13 crore in arrears but paid ₹4.37 crore after applying the waiver.
A senior official from the PMC revenue department, who wished to remain anonymous, commented: “Major defaulters traditionally comprise government offices and educational institutions. However, the OTS program this year motivated everyone to finally settle their property taxes without penalties, turning dormant assets into active revenue.”
Mayor Sita Sahu credited the record collection to the combined efforts of the OTS initiative and the dedication of PMC employees. She expressed gratitude to those who conducted door-to-door awareness and collection campaigns that resulted in exceeding the targeted collection. The mayor hopes that residents will continue to meet their municipal responsibilities in future years as well.
