Nahan civic body struggles to recover Rs 56L unpaid shop rent

The Nahan Municipal Council (MC) is facing severe financial crisis as shopkeepers have withheld Rs 56 lakh unpaid rent. Despite multiple notices issued by the council, several shop owners continue to evade payments, leaving the civic body in a dire economic situation. Allegations suggest that many defaulters have strong political connections, emboldening them while the municipal administration remains helpless.

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According to reports, numerous shopkeepers in Nahan have not paid rent for years, causing outstanding dues to accumulate significantly with interest. Sources indicate that the highest pending rent amount stands at ?20 lakh, followed by dues of Rs 9 lakh, Rs 8 lakh, Rs 7.5 lakh, Rs 6.34 lakh, and Rs 5 lakh.

In total, at least 35 shopkeepers owe large sums to the municipal council. The failure to recover these dues has created a significant financial burden on the civic body.

Despite repeated reminders and notices, there has been no progress in rent collection. Insiders claim that political influence is shielding these defaulters, making it difficult for the administration to take stringent action against them. This has resulted in a lack of accountability and a growing financial crisis for the MC.

Apart from unpaid rents, another major issue plaguing the municipal council is illegal subletting of shops. Many shopkeepers, after acquiring commercial spaces at lower municipal rents, have allegedly rented them out at significantly higher rates. While they generate substantial profits, shopkeepers fail to pay the rightful dues to the civic body.

The municipal council primarily depends on property taxes, parking fees and shop rentals for revenue. While strict measures have been enforced on homeowners to collect property taxes, no firm action has been taken against defaulting shopkeepers.

Speaking on the matter, Nahan Municipal Council president Shyama Pundir said, “Action is being taken against defaulters as per regulations. Officials are working on recovering outstanding rent. We hope to collect the dues soon,” she assured.

Addressed the subletting concern, MC Executive Officer Ajay Garg said, “Currently, there are no official records of subletting cases. However, if such instances come to light, necessary action will be taken in accordance with municipal rules.”

The failure to recover rent from defaulters has severely impacted the municipal council’s financial health. If these dues remain unpaid, the council’s ability to undertake developmental projects and maintain essential services may be severely hampered. Experts suggest that stronger legal action, including eviction and penalty imposition, is necessary to ensure compliance of the norms.

For now, the fate of Nahan MC’s financial recovery rests on how effectively it can enforce regulations against politically backed defaulters.