The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a survey to address the concerning number of residents who have yet to take advantage of the 40% property tax exemption. This initiative comes after the Maharashtra state government revoked the exemption, which had been available since 1970, leading to confusion and public outcry. Despite an estimated 264,000 property owners being eligible for the discount, approximately 193,000 individuals in Pune have not completed the necessary application process. To investigate this issue, the PMC has initiated a pilot project surveying 10,000 properties in the Hingane, Vadgaon, and Dhayari areas. The aim is to understand the reasons behind the lack of applications, with inspections already underway and data gathered from 1,100 properties on the first day.
Led by the Deputy Commissioner of the Property Tax Department, the survey involves approaching property owners to complete PT3 applications. A dedicated team of inspectors has been mobilised for on-ground verification activities to ensure thorough inspections and compile comprehensive reports. This proactive approach seeks to facilitate transparency and accountability in the process, with plans to extend the survey citywide after the initial trial phase.