Patna Municipal Corporation's Intensive Tax Recovery Drive Yields Rs 1 Crore in Two Days
The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has successfully recovered approximately Rs 1 crore in outstanding property tax arrears within a remarkably short span of just two days. This significant achievement was accomplished through a meticulously organized special recovery drive, which targeted property owners with substantial dues exceeding Rs 50,000.
Coordinated Efforts and Enforcement Actions
To execute this drive, a dedicated six-member flying squad was deployed across multiple wards in Patna, focusing on high-value defaulters. Municipal Commissioner Yaspal Meena spearheaded the initiative by convening a crucial review meeting on Friday with revenue and executive officers. The meeting aimed to streamline and enhance further collection efforts, ensuring a cohesive approach to tackling tax evasion.
Officials have implemented stringent measures against non-compliant property owners. Those who failed to clear their dues within the stipulated deadline now face severe consequences, including bank account freezes and the attachment of their properties. Additionally, the corporation has proactively issued notices that prohibit the sale of properties belonging to major defaulters, thereby tightening the enforcement net.
Legal Framework and Resident Outreach
These enforcement actions are being rigorously carried out under the provisions of the Bihar Municipal Act 2007 and the revenue recovery regulations established in 2013. To ensure transparency and awareness, the corporation has also notified defaulters via SMS alerts, detailing the potential legal repercussions of continued non-payment.
In a bid to encourage compliance, residents are being offered a one-time settlement scheme, which remains available until March 31. This scheme provides a waiver on interest and penalties for those who settle their principal tax amount, presenting a favorable opportunity for defaulters to regularize their dues without additional financial burdens.
The swift recovery of Rs 1 crore underscores the PMC's commitment to bolstering municipal revenue and enforcing fiscal discipline. This drive not only addresses immediate arrears but also sets a precedent for future tax collection initiatives in the region, promoting accountability among property owners.
