As the financial year 2024-25 draws to a close, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has reported a significant achievement in property tax collection, amassing ₹213.69 crore over the past 11 months. However, the civic body continues to face challenges, including 688 bounced cheques and the sealing of 90 properties belonging to chronic defaulters. With just three weeks remaining until the fiscal year ends on March 31, 2025, the MBMC is racing against time to meet its revenue targets and address outstanding dues.
Property Tax Collection: A Mixed Bag of Success and Challenges
Between April 1, 2024, and March 6, 2025, the MBMC collected ₹213.69 crore in property tax, marking a notable increase compared to the ₹167.06 crore recovered during the same period last year. Despite this progress, the civic body still faces a daunting task of recovering an additional ₹68 crore to meet its total outstanding target of ₹281 crore. So far, 76% of the outstanding amount has been collected, leaving the administration with a tight deadline to bridge the gap.
Property tax is the primary source of revenue for the MBMC, and the surge in collections this year can be attributed to the civic body’s intensified recovery drive and the growing adoption of digital payment methods. According to official statistics, over ₹101.43 crore was collected from 1,34,748 taxpayers through digital modes, including the municipal website, e-POS (point of sale) devices, and mobile applications. Meanwhile, 1,56,877 taxpayers paid ₹112.26 crore via cash or cheques.
Crackdown on Defaulters: 90 Properties Sealed
In a bid to recover unpaid dues, the MBMC has taken stringent measures against chronic defaulters. Over the past 11 months, the civic body has sealed 90 properties whose owners collectively owe approximately ₹93 crore in unpaid property tax. Chandrakant Borse, Chief of the Property Tax Department, emphasized that the MBMC is committed to taking penal action against defaulters, including those who issue dishonoured cheques.
“Apart from launching an intensive collection drive, teams have been deputed to seal properties of chronic defaulters. Penal action is being taken against those who issue dud cheques,” Borse stated. He also urged citizens to clear their tax dues at the earliest to avoid penalties and legal action.
688 Cheques Bounce, Legal Action Initiated
One of the significant challenges faced by the MBMC this year has been the dishonour of 688 cheques, collectively amounting to over ₹2.50 crore. Most of these cheques bounced due to insufficient funds in the taxpayers’ bank accounts. Ward number four recorded the highest number of bounced cheques at 192, followed by ward number six with 163 and ward number three with 121.
Upon receiving notices from the MBMC, 519 defaulters cleared their dues, paying ₹1.98 crore along with penalties and cheque bounce charges. However, 169 defaulters, who collectively owe ₹51.99 lakh, have yet to settle their dues. Borse confirmed that ward officers have been directed to take immediate action against these defaulters with the assistance of the legal department.
Under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the dishonour of a cheque is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment and a fine. The MBMC is leveraging this legal provision to ensure compliance and deter future instances of bounced cheques.
Taxpayer Statistics and Recovery Efforts
The MBMC’s property tax registry currently lists approximately 3,58,030 taxpayers, including both commercial and residential properties. Out of these, 2,52,208 taxpayers have cleared their dues, while 68,405 are yet to respond to bills and notices issued by the tax department. The civic body has been proactive in issuing reminders and notices to defaulters, but a significant number of taxpayers remain unresponsive.
To expedite recovery, the MBMC has deployed dedicated teams to conduct door-to-door campaigns and raise awareness about the importance of timely tax payments. The civic body has also streamlined its digital payment infrastructure to make it easier for taxpayers to clear their dues.
Digital Payments Drive Revenue Growth
The significant increase in property tax collections this year can largely be attributed to the MBMC’s push for digital payments. Over 47% of the total collections (₹101.43 crore) were made through digital channels, reflecting a growing preference for online transactions among taxpayers. The MBMC has introduced multiple digital payment options, including links on its official website, e-POS devices, and mobile applications, to facilitate seamless and hassle-free payments.
The shift towards digital payments has not only improved convenience for taxpayers but also enhanced transparency and efficiency in the collection process. By reducing reliance on cash and cheques, the MBMC has minimized the risk of errors and delays in revenue collection.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
With only three weeks left in the financial year, the MBMC faces the dual challenge of meeting its revenue targets and addressing the issue of bounced cheques. The civic body’s efforts to seal properties and initiate legal action against defaulters have yielded some results, but more needs to be done to ensure compliance.
The MBMC’s success in property tax collection is critical to funding essential civic services and infrastructure projects in Mira-Bhayandar. As the city continues to grow, the civic body must adopt innovative strategies to improve tax compliance and revenue generation. This includes leveraging technology, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and fostering greater awareness among taxpayers about their responsibilities.
Conclusion
The MBMC’s property tax collection drive has achieved significant milestones this year, with ₹213.69 crore recovered and 90 properties sealed for non-payment. However, the issue of bounced cheques and outstanding dues highlights the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures. As the financial year draws to a close, the MBMC remains focused on meeting its targets and ensuring that taxpayers fulfil their obligations.
The civic body’s efforts to promote digital payments and crack down on defaulters underscore its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability. For the residents of Mira-Bhayandar, timely payment of property tax is not just a civic duty but a contribution towards the city’s development and prosperity. As the MBMC works towards closing the fiscal year on a high note, it sends a clear message to defaulters: pay your dues, or face the consequences.
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Source – freepressjournal
