Prayagraj Municipal Corporation Approves Major 40% House Tax Rebate for Older Properties
The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken a significant decision that will provide substantial financial relief to property owners in the city. During its house meeting held on Tuesday, the corporation unanimously approved a 40% rebate in house tax for all buildings that are more than 20 years old within the urban limits of Prayagraj.
Automatic Rebate System and Implementation Timeline
In a move designed to simplify the process for residents, property owners will receive this rebate automatically without needing to submit any application or formal request. The municipal corporation has confirmed that this provision will officially come into effect starting from April 2026, giving the administration adequate time to implement the necessary systems and adjustments.
Areas Expected to Benefit Most from the Tax Relief
This decision is particularly significant for residents living in the older parts of Prayagraj, where numerous buildings have crossed the two-decade mark. Several key localities are expected to receive substantial financial relief once the policy is implemented, including:
- Kidganj and Daraganj
- Rambagh and Bairhana
- Chowk and Shahganj
- Kareli and Malviya Nagar
- Mundera and Chakia
The rebate represents a meaningful reduction in municipal tax burden for property owners in these established neighborhoods.
Additional Financial and Administrative Decisions
Beyond the house tax rebate, the PMC house meeting addressed several other important civic matters:
- One-Time Settlement Scheme: The corporation decided to seek state government approval for a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme specifically for major house tax defaulters. The municipal corporation will forward this proposal to the state government within three days.
- Revised Budget Approvals: The house passed the revised budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year for both the municipal corporation and the Jal Kal department. The municipal budget was reduced by approximately Rs 235 crore to around Rs 2,100 crore, primarily due to expected state government grants not being received as anticipated. Conversely, the Jal Kal department budget was increased by Rs 31.40 crore to improve drinking water facilities throughout the city.
- Enhanced Civic Services: Several service improvements were approved, including increasing the number of hearse vehicles from three to six to strengthen civic services for residents.
Operational Improvements and Infrastructure Plans
The municipal corporation also implemented several operational changes and approved new infrastructure projects:
- Daily Officer Availability: All municipal department officers will now remain present in their chambers daily from 3 PM to 5 PM specifically to discuss ward-related issues with residents.
- Workforce Deployment: A plan to deploy gardener-cum-sanitation workers across all 100 wards under the District Urban Development Agency was approved.
- New Facilities: Approval was granted for setting up a digital library and an advocate hall at the municipal headquarters.
Monsoon Preparations and Water Management
Recognizing the importance of seasonal preparedness, the PMC reviewed water supply works and discussed comprehensive preparations for the upcoming monsoon season. The corporation will begin cleaning drains and sewers from April 1, with a strategic plan to complete at least two rounds of thorough cleaning before the rains begin. This proactive approach aims to minimize flooding and waterlogging issues during the monsoon months.
The collective decisions taken during this house meeting represent a comprehensive approach to municipal governance in Prayagraj, balancing financial relief for residents with improvements to civic infrastructure and services.
