Congress tables resolution in PMC seeking property tax exemption for homes under 500 sq ft

The BJP, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had all promised complete exemption from property tax for residential properties with an area of less than 500 sq ft in their respective election manifestos.

3 min readPuneFeb 23, 2026 07:25 PM IST

There are 12,69,163 residential properties within PMC limits, of which 4,29,245 measure less than 500 sq ft. (Image generated using Google Gemini)

In a move aimed at cornering the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Pune civic body, the Indian National Congress has tabled a resolution seeking complete exemption from property tax for residential properties measuring less than 500 sq ft — a promise made by most major political parties, including the BJP, in their election manifestos.

“The Pune civic body should provide relief to the poor and middle class from rising inflation by giving complete exemption in property tax for all residential properties less than 500 sq ft area,” said Chandusheth Kadam, Congress leader in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

The resolution has been included in the agenda of the Standing Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday. This will be the first meeting after the constitution of the 16-member committee and the election of its chairperson following the formation of the elected body in the PMC.

“We will discuss the resolution in the Standing Committee and send it for the opinion of the civic administration. We will also discuss it in the party meeting and take a decision which is best in the interest of citizens of Pune,” said Srinath Bhimale, who was elected chairperson of the PMC Standing Committee on Monday.

Incidentally, the BJP, Congress and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) had all promised complete exemption from property tax for residential properties with an area of less than 500 sq ft in their respective election manifestos.

Last week, the PMC unanimously rejected a proposal by the civic administration to hike property tax, stating that revenue requirements could be met by tackling tax evasion. The administration had proposed a 10 per cent hike, citing the absence of a rate increase over the past eight years and rising expenditure following the expansion of PMC limits and the growing demand for civic facilities.

Also Read | Houses up to 500 sq ft: Mumbai Cong seeks property tax waiver with retrospective effect from 2020

According to the civic administration, granting a property tax exemption for residential properties below 500 sq ft would reduce revenue collection by Rs 255.59 crore.

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There are 12,69,163 residential properties within PMC limits, of which 4,29,245 measure less than 500 sq ft. “If the tax exemption is given for such flats, revenue from property tax will reduce by Rs 255.59 crore,” a civic officer said.

In total, there are 14,92,803 registered properties — including residential and commercial — in the PMC jurisdiction, with a property tax revenue target of Rs 2,556.15 crore. These include 12,69,163 residential properties, 1,67,934 non-residential properties, 30,675 open plots and 25,031 mixed-use properties.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi. "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More

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