Streamlining Property Transfers: PCMC Integrates Property Tax Data with Land Records System
Property transactions in Pimpri Chinchwad are set to become significantly easier with the recent integration of the property tax department's data with the computerized system of the Inspector General of Registration (IGR). This initiative by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) marks a major step toward simplifying the property transfer process for residents, eliminating the need for separate applications for registration after purchasing property. The data from the IGR office will now be automatically shared with the PCMC, ensuring that property records are promptly updated and eliminating the delays caused by manual submissions.
Previously, property buyers had to register their properties with both the IGR office and the PCMC separately, which often resulted in discrepancies. These gaps in communication led to property tax bills being sent to the previous owners instead of the new ones. According to Avinash Shinde, Deputy Municipal Commissioner and head of PCMC's property tax department, many citizens failed to register their new properties with the PCMC after purchase. This resulted in unresolved tax liabilities, causing confusion and a backlog of unpaid taxes.
With the integration of the property tax department’s data with the IGR’s system, property owners will no longer need to initiate a separate registration process with the PCMC. Once the IGR office updates the ownership information, it will be automatically transferred to the property tax department. The tax department will verify the data and promptly notify the new owner via message. The notification will contain a link to make an online payment for the transfer fees. This digital process streamlines what used to be a time-consuming and error-prone procedure, making the experience far more efficient for property owners.
If the owner fails to pay the transfer fees within the given timeframe, the PCMC will include the fees in the next property tax bill. This automated approach ensures that no fees are missed, further simplifying the system. The move is expected to not only expedite property transfers but also prevent the accumulation of unpaid taxes by ensuring that tax bills reach the correct owners in a timely manner.
Mr. Shinde explained that one of the major issues faced by the civic body was the failure of many new property owners to notify the PCMC of the transfer. As a result, tax bills continued to be issued in the name of previous owners, sometimes for years, leading to penalties and disputes over unpaid taxes. By integrating the data from the IGR, the PCMC hopes to minimize such issues, as the new system will automatically update ownership details. This will ensure that tax bills are sent to the correct owners, reducing confusion and improving the recovery of property taxes.
In addition to streamlining the property transfer process, this integration is expected to help address longstanding tax arrears. In the past, inaccurate billing due to outdated records often led to property tax disputes. By having access to up-to-date information, the PCMC can ensure that bills are issued accurately and on time, improving the efficiency of tax collection and boosting the municipality’s revenue. For property owners, this means fewer instances of receiving incorrect tax bills and being held accountable for unpaid dues incurred by previous owners.
The initiative aligns with the PCMC's broader efforts to embrace digital governance and improve public services through technology. By automating key processes like property registration and tax billing, the civic body is not only saving time for its residents but also minimizing human errors that often occur in manual data entry. This shift toward a more automated system will also allow the PCMC to focus on more pressing administrative tasks, further enhancing its service delivery.
Residents are advised to include their property numbers when submitting documents at the IGR office to facilitate the tax department's ability to efficiently locate and update necessary information. The PCMC anticipates that the complete implementation of this integration will transform property management practices in the region, creating a more streamlined and transparent experience for both property owners and civic administration.
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