No database, Punjab wants unique ID for properties

Tribune News Service

Rajmeet Singh

Chandigarh, August 4

The Local Government Department is pushing for a unique identification for all properties in the state, suspecting a mismatch between property tax receipts and the number of properties in urban local bodies.

The move is aimed at increasing the property tax collection.

In the last five years (ending on March 31, 2022), property tax arrears have mounted to Rs 211 crore, while arrears of user charges (on account of water and sewer charges) stand at Rs 563 crore.

Local Bodies Minister Dr Inderbir Nijjar said efforts would be made to create a database of assessees by assigning a unique identification number to the properties.

The percentage of realisation of property tax and user charges stands at 50 and 23, respectively.

The Comptroller Auditor General (CAG) of India, in its recent audit, has pointed out that there is no database on the number of properties in Mohali and Patiala districts, and that property tax is being collected on the basis of self-assessment.

A fact-finding report on illegal structures in Ludhiana found a mismatch between power connections provided by PSPCL, total layout plans approved and property tax receipts.

It was pointed out evaluation of property tax based on covered area of properties did not match with the actual covered area.

A probe by former MC Additional Commissioner Rishi Pal had put the figure of illegal structures in Ludhiana at 55,000. According to the department, however, the number of such structures is fewer.

According to official records, residential properties that constitute 70 per cent of total taxable properties contribute 11 per cent to the total tax collection. On the other hand, non-residential properties that constitute 30 per cent of the total taxable properties contribute 89 per cent to the total collection.

Arrears

• Rs 563 cr User charges
• Rs 211 cr Property tax

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