Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation collects record Rs 221cr in taxes even before fiscal-end

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) has recorded an all-time high tax at Rs 221 crore ahead of the close of the current financial year, with property tax alone accounting for almost Rs 200 crore.According to the civic tax collection department, the total recovery includes Rs 21 crore in water tax. "This (tax collection) marks an increase of over 45% compared to the previous year, with around 35% of citizens paying higher tax amounts," an official said.In the 2024-25 financial year, the civic body had collected Rs 157.7 crore in property tax. "The total recovery for the current financial year is expected to rise marginally further, as a few days remain before the March 31 deadline," he said.Deputy commissioner Vikas Nawale attributed the record-breaking performance to meticulous planning and effective execution by the civic administration under the guidance of municipal commissioner G Sreekanth. "The record tax recovery will provide a significant boost to upcoming development projects. It will also prove crucial for the holistic development of the city," he said.Several initiatives contributed to the improved collections, including the WhatsApp chatbot, online tax payment facilities, the ‘Shrimitra' cell and the ‘Shrimitra' cellphone application, which helped the administration reach a wider base of taxpayers. "Sustained outreach efforts had a positive impact on recovery figures. We appeal to the remaining taxpayers to clear their dues before the end of the financial year," another official said.To further improve compliance, the civic body has also taken strict action against major defaulters by sealing properties for non-payment of property tax. Civic officials said the move acted as a deterrent and provided an additional boost to tax recovery.