Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Mann have announced the implementation of the Punjab Government’s decision to waive interest and penalties on outstanding property tax payments. This move aims to address concerns expressed during government-business meetings.
Government temporarily halted its implementation
The decision to waive interest and penalties on property tax payments made by December 31 was initially issued in a notification by the Principal Secretary of the Local Bodies Department on September 4. However, the government temporarily halted its implementation, citing that the order was issued inadvertently and required reconsideration. This decision, surrounded by speculation, is seen as an attempt by the government to gain political advantage ahead of the upcoming municipal elections. The department’s independent notification complicated matters.
During the government-business meeting scheduled for September 14 and 15, Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Mann are expected to officially announce the implementation of this decision. CM Mann has previously indicated that decisions aimed at addressing issues raised during town hall meetings with businessmen, conducted during the assembly elections, will be unveiled during the government-business meeting.
Possible modifications include extending the deadline for a 10 percent rebate on property tax payments for the current financial year
While municipal officials and government representatives have refrained from commenting on the suspension of the interest and penalty waiver for outstanding property tax payments, it is reported that discussions are underway to modify the decision. This is primarily to avoid creating political controversies by announcing the decision as originally formulated. Possible modifications include extending the deadline for a 10 percent rebate on property tax payments for the current financial year until September, among other additional benefits.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER
