Former corporator Leena Garad writes to CM to consider PMC decision on the same

In a historic decision, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, guided by the mandate of Somaiya Lok Sabha Constituency, has announced a 66% property tax reduction for residents of Palava during the meeting held at the Mantralaya on Monday. Public Works Minister Ravindra Chavan was also present. This decision has provided substantial relief to 26,000 tenants. Discussions on other significant issues also took place during this time. Likewise the PMC former Corporator has written to CM Eknath Shinde to pay heed towards the property tax issue in the Panvel Municipal Corporation area.

As per the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, Section 129A, it is clear that if a special housing construction project is constructed under MRTP Section 36, then the right to levy property tax at reduced rates is with the state government. Based on this provision, due to the efforts of local MLAs, local representatives, and stakeholders, the state government has reduced property tax rates by 66% for various MRTP Section 36 special projects, including Palava, which was constructed by CIDCO.

“However, Prashant Thakur, the MLA from Panvel, and those in power at the Municipal Corporation are not willing to grant the benefit of Section 129A, and instead, they prefer to impose unjust tax to fill their coffers. As a result, those with property in the Panvel city area, including approximately 2.5 lakh property owners, will not be able to continue without facing repercussions,” stated Garad.

Leena Garad mentioned, “I appreciate the legal and well-considered decision to reduce property tax rates, which has been made possible by the efforts of local MLAs, local representatives, and stakeholders. Due to these efforts, the state government has chosen to provide this benefit to all property owners in Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation, as well as local MLAs and stakeholders who actively lobbied for it”.

CIDCO has constructed various nodes and special projects under MRTP Section 36. While doing so, they have collected fees from every property owner and shop owner through different means:

 1.      Power Supply and Infrastructure Development Charges

2.      Charges for Building Plan Approvals

3.      Water Resource Development and Connection Fees

4.      Drainage Line Connection and Infrastructure Development Charges

Garad added, “It is through these collected fees that CIDCO has been able to finance the construction of new cities. Therefore, I request that the CM also extend the same 66% reduced property tax rates, which has been granted to Palava City, to the approximately 2.5 lakh property owners in areas like Kharghar, Kalamboli, Panvel, Kamothe, Taloja, and New Panvel.By taking this step, it would bring justice to the property owners in these areas and ensure that they receive the same benefits as the residents of Palava City”.