Why a civic body in Punjab is cracking the whip on property tax defaulters

The Abohar Municipal Corporation, facing a financial crunch that has hindered development work, including road repairs and street light maintenance, took a strong stance against property tax defaulters on Thursday.

Over 50 civic body officials and employees conducted a recovery drive, supervised by SDM Krishan Pal Rajput.

The drive resulted in approximately Rs 6 lakh in property tax payments by defaulters at the MC office.

According to reports, the SDM, accompanied by MC staff and a police team, visited several property tax defaulters who had disregarded final notices.

Following the action, an LPG agency operator settled Rs. 1.32 lakh in dues on the spot, while the premises of a steel equipment unit were sealed.

SDM Krishan Pal Rajput, who also holds the additional charge of Assistant MC Commissioner, stated that approximately a dozen individuals remain with outstanding tax arrears amounting to lakhs of rupees.

He urged defaulters to clear their dues, enabling the MC to undertake development projects.

Mayor Vimal Thatai and MLA Sandeep Jakhar have repeatedly accused the state government of delaying GST share payments, while no special grant has been allocated for pending development projects.