Solapur civic body collects Rs 1.53 crore property tax in two days, cracks down on defaulters

The tax department of the Solapur Municipal Corporation has launched a strict drive to recover property tax in the city. In just two days, Rs 1.53 crore in property tax has been collected.

The administration has taken a tough stand against defaulters who are delaying payment. Properties of those who have not paid despite repeated notices are being sealed. Action to cut tap connections is also under way.

On the figures, the corporation's tax department collected Rs 93 lakh in property tax on October 29 alone. On October 30, Rs 60 lakh was collected. Over the two days, a total of Rs 1.53 crore was deposited in the corporation's coffers. The administration has stepped up the pace of the drive to meet the tax collection target set for the current financial year.

Property tax makes up a large share of the municipal corporation's income. The money is used for the city's roads, water supply, sanitation, health services, street lights and other civic amenities. Property owners must therefore pay the current year's tax and arrears from previous years on time.

The tax department is verifying defaulters' details before taking recovery action. People are being given the chance to pay through notices and alerts issued from time to time. Strict steps are being taken against property owners who still do not pay.

Action to seal the properties of those who have not paid even after repeated notices has begun. Tap connections of such properties are also being shut off as required. The action has increased the pressure on defaulters to pay.

The corporation administration has made it clear that people should pay their outstanding property tax before it comes to punitive action. If payment is delayed, further action may follow under the rules. Property owners have been urged not to ignore their arrears and to pay immediately.

Municipal Commissioner Dr Sachin Ombase has appealed to all property owners to pay current and outstanding property tax at the earliest. The administration said regular payment of tax is important for the city's development and for providing good facilities to citizens.

According to the administration, a rise in the corporation's income helps it get the funds needed for the city's various development works and civic amenities. Citizens have therefore been asked to cooperate with the corporation and pay their property tax on time.