Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is all set to bring back its popular property tax lottery scheme, which has proven to be an effective tool in increasing tax compliance.

This initiative, which rewards residents who pay their property tax on time with exciting prizes, is expected to roll out again after the upcoming state assembly elections. The PMC has allocated ₹1 crore for this year’s lottery as part of its 2024-25 budget, as announced by former Commissioner Vikram Kumar.

Last year, the lottery resulted in a notable increase in property tax revenue, encouraging early payments. Residents who paid their full property tax between April 1 and May 31 were eligible to win prizes such as a four-wheeler, electric bikes, laptops, and mobile phones.

A total of 45 prizes were awarded, creating enthusiasm among taxpayers and prompting many to pay their dues promptly.

This year, the PMC is planning to extend the scheme to those who pay their property tax by December 2024. Although the preparation for the lottery was scheduled to start earlier, the process has been delayed due to the state assembly elections.

The lottery process will resume once the elections are over, as confirmed by Madhav Jagtap, Deputy Commissioner of the Tax Collection Department.

The PMC has already collected ₹1,625 crore in property tax revenue for the 2024-25 fiscal year, against a target of ₹2,400 crore. This is a significant increase from ₹1,385 crore on the same date last year, primarily due to the inclusion of new villages and the taxation of 78 new properties. However, a large number of defaulters has kept the PMC from reaching its full revenue potential.

To overcome this shortfall, the PMC will continue to rely on incentive schemes such as the lottery to encourage timely tax payments. The administration hopes that this year’s scheme, running until March 2025, will boost collections and help meet the ambitious target.