Property tax: Suvidha kendras open on weekends as August 31 deadline nears

To facilitate residents ahead of the August 31 deadline under the one-time settlement (OTS) policy, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) has announced extended working hours, including weekends, at its zonal suvidha kendras.

The kendras remained open on August 23 and will function on next Saturday too (August 30). These will also remain open on Sundays (August 24 and 31) during regular office hours to ensure maximum public convenience.

MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal said the decision was taken keeping in mind the welfare of residents, as August 31, marks the last day to pay pending property tax without penalty or interest under the OTS scheme notified by the state government.

Officials reiterated that property tax has to be paid annually on a self-assessment basis. Failure to do so results in a 20 per cent penalty and 18 per cent annual interest on the outstanding amount. The OTS policy offers a rare opportunity for defaulters to clear dues without financial burden.

The civic body has deployed staff across all zonal offices to assist residents. On Saturday, a steady stream of citizens visited Suvidha Kendras to settle their dues.

Ramesh Arora, a resident of Model Town, said: “I had been delaying the payment due to the penalty amount. The scheme is a relief. The staff here is cooperative and the process is smooth.”

Harpreet Kaur, who came from Gill Road, said: “I appreciate that the office is open on a weekend. For working people like me, this flexibility makes a big difference.”

MC officials have urged residents to take full advantage of the scheme before the deadline. Payments could be made at Suvidha Kendras located in all zonal offices of the civic body.

The MC Commissioner said: “This is a public-friendly initiative. We want every eligible resident to benefit from the scheme and avoid future penalties.”

With just days left, the civic body is also ramping up awareness drives to ensure no taxpayer misses the opportunity.