NAGPUR: In a decisive effort to address rising property tax arrears, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has initiated a rigorous enforcement campaign utilizing technology to identify habitual defaulters. Municipal Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari has instructed the property tax department to actively pursue overdue payments, leading to the implementation of a new automated warrant alert system for those who neglect tax notices, as stated by Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Revenue) Milind Meshram.
The NMC is facing challenges in generating funds for essential projects. Disturbingly, data reveals that 261 prime property owners across the city have defaulted on property tax payments exceeding ₹25 lakh each, contributing to total arrears amounting to an alarming ₹442 crore. Overall, the outstanding property tax arrears, including penalties, have surpassed ₹1,000 crore.
A critical element of this reform involves a comprehensive update of NMC’s taxpayer database, mandating the verification and updating of postal addresses and mobile numbers. For the first time, the NMC is integrating India Post’s Proof of Delivery (POD) system with its internal tax platform, allowing real-time tracking of invoice deliveries. “We are establishing a reliable address system. Once India Post delivers tax invoices, the POD is linked to each taxpayer’s record,” said Meshram.
In cases where delivery fails due to outdated or incorrect addresses, zonal teams are physically delivering invoices and updating details in the system. This initiative has enabled the NMC to successfully deliver about 95% of tax invoices so far. Currently, 23,709 invoices remain undelivered, primarily for open plots where property owners could not be located, along with an additional 24,237 invoices awaiting dispatch.
With delivery verification nearing completion, the administration has transitioned to recovery mode. Defaulters who have ignored invoices, despite confirmed delivery, are now receiving automated warrant SMS alerts.
“Previously, revenue inspectors had to submit physical proposals for warrant execution to assistant commissioners, who then forwarded them to headquarters, making the process time-consuming. Now, the system automatically notifies both the defaulter and zonal officers for prompt warrant execution,” explained Meshram.
The crackdown is gaining traction, with the system issuing 240 warrant SMS alerts to defaulters on just one day. Sample messages reviewed by TOI inform property owners of the warrant issuance and urge them to settle their dues immediately to avoid legal and recovery actions. Each SMS also contains a web link where they can view the warrant on the NMC portal.
Chaudhari’s directive signifies a shift from mere persuasion to stringent enforcement. With improved address tracking, digital POD integration, and automated legal notifications, the civic body is addressing long-standing loopholes exploited by property owners and habitual tax offenders. As the NMC tightens compliance before the upcoming fiscal cycle, taxpayers who have relied on system delays now confront prompt and decisive actions.
