In a significant crackdown on chronic defaulters, the Mohali Municipal Corporation (MC) has launched a stringent sealing and auction drive targeting properties with long-pending property tax dues. Shockingly, several key government departments and state-run institutions are among the biggest defaulters, with some arrears dating back over a decade.
Government Departments Top the List of Defaulters
Official records paint a startling picture of non-compliance from government entities. The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) leads the list with an outstanding liability of nearly Rs 10 crore, with dues accumulating since the 2016-17 financial year. Close on its heels is the Labour Bhawan, which has not cleared property tax amounting to Rs 11.34 lakh, with dues projected up to 2025-26.
The list of defaulting departments is extensive and includes:
- PWD Construction Division-I (Phase 1, Sector 57)
- PWD Store, Printing and Stationery Department, Punjab
- Sports Department (Shooting Range, Sector 56 A)
- Mining Department (Sector 73)
- State Crime Branch Police Station, Sector 59
- Livestock Complex (Sector 68)
- DGR (Sector 74)
In several of these cases, the arrears have been pending since as far back as 2013-14 and 2018-19, highlighting a systemic issue of delayed payments from government bodies themselves.
MC Initiates Strict Sealing and Auction Drive
Faced with massive revenue shortfalls, the Mohali MC has moved from warnings to concrete action. The corporation has begun sealing properties under the powers granted by Section 138-C of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976. While a final three-day grace period has been granted in some instances, officials have issued a stern warning.
"Failure to deposit property tax within the stipulated time will lead to immediate sealing of the premises without any further notice," stated an official press note. The corporation clarified that once a property is sealed, the owner or occupier will be held personally responsible for any loss or damage to goods, stock, or machinery inside.
The enforcement drive is not limited to government properties but also covers private commercial and industrial units across various sectors and phases of SAS Nagar (Mohali). The MC has emphasized its legal authority to recover dues through the public auction of sealed properties. The recoverable amount will include the outstanding tax, a penalty of up to 20 percent, and interest at 18 percent per annum calculated from April 1, 2014, until full recovery.
Pay Now or Face Consequences
The Municipal Corporation has urged all defaulters to clear their dues immediately to avoid severe action. Defaulters have been directed to "immediately deposit pending property tax along with applicable penalty and interest" at the Municipal Bhawan in Sector 68 or through online modes like the M-Seva App.
Appealing to both departments and citizens, the MC underscored that timely payment of property tax is crucial for maintaining and improving civic infrastructure. These funds directly support essential services like road maintenance, sanitation, street lighting, and other public amenities that benefit the community.
Taxpayers seeking clarification on their dues or the payment process have been advised to contact the Property Tax Branch of the Mohali MC during office hours. The current drive signals a no-nonsense approach by the civic body to plug revenue leaks and ensure all entities, government or private, contribute their fair share to the city's development.
