Chandigarh: PU, PGI among top property tax defaulters

Chandigarh: Punjab University, PGI and departments under the UT chief engineer are among the highest property tax defaulters in the city. The last date for paying property tax with exemption was May 31. According to the municipal corporation’s tax wing, PU owes Rs 65.74 crore, PGI Rs 37.58 crore and UT chief engineer wing Rs 20.74 crore. Punjab Engineering College (PEC) owes Rs 13.35 crore and golf club Rs 11 crore. “We are in dialogue with them on various aspects. Though some of them have paid some amount, as per our calculation it is not the full payment,” an official said. “Following the failure of PU and PGI to pay the property tax dues, we have also issued notices for assessment of rent of shops located in both the campuses. Our teams are deployed there. If the tax is still not paid, their rent will be confiscated,” an official said. A total of 70,000 people and establishments have paid tax for the financial year 2024-2025. There are around 1.30 lakh property taxpayers in the city. Notices have been issued to the defaulters. They have been asked to clear the dues or face action. Owners who pay property tax between April 1 and May 31 every financial year get a rebate of up to 20%. Residential taxpayers get a 20% rebate, while commercial property owners get a 10% concession during this period. Thereafter, a penalty of 25% along with 12% interest is levied on tax dues without any rebate.