Phagwara MC announces implementation of ‘One Time Settlement’ policy for property owners

In a move aimed at providing substantial financial relief to property owners, the Municipal Corporation of Phagwara has announced the implementation of the One Time Settlement Policy-2025 for property tax defaulters. The announcement was made by MC Commissioner Akshita Gupta during a press conference held on Wednesday.

The policy, initiated by the Punjab Government through the Department of Local Government, seeks to address the longstanding issue of unpaid and partially paid property tax dues across the state. According to the official notification issued under the authority of the Punjab Governor, this settlement scheme will offer phased exemptions on penalties and interest to encourage voluntary compliance among taxpayers.

Gupta stated that property owners, who had cleared their original tax dues in full by July 31 would be granted complete exemption from all penalties and interest. For those who were unable to meet the July deadline, a secondary window had been provided — taxpayers, who settled their dues between August 1 and October 31, would receive a 50 per cent exemption on penalties and interest. However, starting November 1, 2025, no exemptions would be available, and all dues would incur penalties and interest in accordance with existing legal provisions.

The Commissioner emphasised that the initiative aligned with the government’s objective to reduce the financial burden on residents while improving municipal revenue collection. “This policy not only provides a fair chance to the defaulters to regularise their dues but also enables local bodies to strengthen their financial health,” she said.

Echoing this sentiment, Mayor Ram Pal Uppal lauded the initiative, crediting the Punjab Government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for prioritising public convenience.

He described the scheme as a progressive step that balances revenue recovery with compassion for the citizens. Urging cooperation from the public, the Mayor appealed to residents of Phagwara to take full advantage of the scheme and clear their outstanding property taxes by visiting the Municipal Corporation office before the stipulated deadlines.

Jalandhar