Pune Launches Abhay Yojana Granting 75 Percent Penalty Waiver On Pending Property Tax Dues

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has reintroduced its Abhay Yojana, granting a 75 percent penalty waiver on outstanding property tax dues for citizens who clear their arrears between 15 November and 15 January. The civic move aims to provide long-awaited relief to homeowners while simultaneously improving municipal revenue to fund infrastructure development.

Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishor Ram said the scheme intends to support genuine taxpayers burdened by compounded penalties over the years. “The initiative will help citizens regularise their payments and contribute to the city’s development. It’s a mutually beneficial step for both residents and the administration,” he remarked.

Under this revised scheme, the penalty reduction applies only to property owners with unpaid dues who have not previously benefited from Abhay Yojana between 2015 and 2022. Those who availed relief earlier, as well as mobile tower defaulters, are excluded.The PMC has streamlined the payment process by enabling taxpayers to check and settle their dues via its online portal (propertytax.punecorporation.org). By entering their account number, property owners can instantly view the adjusted payable amount after the waiver is applied. Payments can also be made offline at Urban Facilitation Centres and partner banks, which will remain operational on weekends and public holidays during the scheme period.

Officials from the civic body said the initiative is expected to attract significant participation, similar to previous amnesty drives that generated crores in additional revenue. “We anticipate strong public response, especially from housing societies and small property owners who have been waiting for such relief,” said a senior PMC official.According to the civic administration, revenue collected through Abhay Yojana will be channelled into essential urban projects, including land acquisition for new roads, water infrastructure, and green development. The scheme reflects PMC’s broader goal of strengthening fiscal sustainability while encouraging timely tax compliance among citizens.

Urban experts note that tax amnesty schemes, if implemented transparently, can serve as a bridge between administrative efficiency and civic cooperation. They caution, however, that the government must ensure such programmes are used as corrective measures rather than recurring fiscal bailouts.As Pune continues to expand its civic and housing footprint, the renewed Abhay Yojana offers a balanced approach relieving citizen pressure while enabling the municipality to fund future-ready, sustainable city projects.

Pune Launches Abhay Yojana Granting 75 Percent Penalty Waiver On Pending Property Tax Dues