Few benefit from fine waiver scheme

Only 218 defaulters have paid up till November 22. The defaulters have so far paid only Rs 35 lakh out of a total Rs 4 crore they owe PCNDTA, in addition to the fines.

The PCNTDA was formed to provide affordable housing to residents in Pimpri-Chinchwad. It gets installments from 3,355 flat owners from eight housing schemes every month. PCNDTA has a provision of imposing fine if flat owners default on their payment.

Although defaulters owe a total of Rs 4 crore, the fine of Rs 7.4 crore far exceeds outstanding dues. Many defaulters are confused because of this. PCNDTA chief executive officer Suhas Divse and Divisional Commissioner Nitin Kareer had called a meeting in May to discuss the matter.

It was decided to launch the amnesty scheme from June to November.

Defaulters paying within the deadline were granted a discount of 50 per cent on the fine. PCNDTA expected to recover a lion8217;s share of the amount by launching the scheme. 8220;But at the end of six months, only 218 have paid up. PCNDTA has received only Rs 21 lakh of outstanding dues and Rs 14 lakh fine. Most of those who paid are from the low-income category. High income group defaulters have not taken advantage of the scheme,8221; said a PCNDTA official.

Society no. 1 in Indrayaninagar locality has 364 defaulters. The scheme ends on November 30. 8220;I appeal to all defaulters to benefit from the scheme,8221; said Kareer.