With only a few days remaining for the payment of property tax for the current fiscal year, the Ludhiana municipal corporation (MC) has yet to collect the tax amount from at least 100,000 taxpayers. The officials have managed to gather over Rs 147 crore from property tax collections against a total target of Rs 160 crore.
Nevertheless, the civic body officials are under continuous pressure to meet their target, as their internal goal is set at Rs 180 crore. In recent years, the officials have surpassed their property tax collection goals, but this year they are hopeful to at least meet the budgeted target.
For the upcoming fiscal year, substantial targets have already been established. MC superintendent Vivek Verma, however, expressed confidence that they will meet their targets and recover dues from as many taxpayers as possible. He stated that the MC offices have remained open for tax collection even on weekends and public holidays, and the field staff is making significant efforts, so they are optimistic about recovering the dues.
Meanwhile, one of the MC officials mentioned that last year there was a one-time settlement for property tax defaulters from previous years, which resulted in waiving interest and penalties on the tax amount; consequently, their revenue was impacted. He indicated that the next fiscal year will also present challenges for the employees, as during an election year, staff are assigned to election duties, and in April, a special intensive revision (SIR) will commence in Punjab.
He noted that even now, employees are receiving show-cause notices for failing to complete their pre-SIR activities in the field. He also mentioned that in the coming months, census-related activities will begin, and employees may be assigned to those tasks as well.
Conversely, Mayor Inderjit Kaur asserted that the civic body is on track to meet both this year’s and next year’s targets, as these annual goals were established following comprehensive discussions. She emphasized that while the employees are making significant efforts, the public must also fulfill their responsibilities by paying taxes, which will enable the allocation of funds towards development projects.
Mayor Inderjit Kaur urged residents to ensure timely payment of their obligations, including property tax and water-sewer bills, to avoid incurring penalties. Civic body officials indicated that residents who do not pay their property tax for the current financial year (2025-26) by March 31 will be subject to a 20% penalty and an 18% annual interest charge.
