The Municipal Corporation (MC) of Chandigarh is grappling with a severe financial crisis, as outstanding property tax dues have surged past ₹200 crore. A significant portion—over ₹100 crore—is owed by government departments and institutions, including those from Punjab, Haryana, the Union Territory Administration, Panjab University, the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), and Punjab Engineering College.
Sources revealed that a large chunk of the pending amount is entangled in legal disputes and litigation, leading to prolonged delays in recovery. While the civic body has been actively issuing notices to major defaulters like Panjab University and PGIMER, officials admit that enforcement options are limited due to the public-service nature of these institutions.
“These organizations are engaged in essential public welfare activities. Taking coercive steps such as sealing their premises is neither practical nor advisable,” said a senior MC official.
Dr. Ramneek Singh Bedi, Chairman of the House Tax Committee, expressed concern over the mounting dues, emphasizing that the issue has become critical. “The financial position of the Municipal Corporation has deteriorated sharply. All ongoing development projects are stalled, and no new initiatives are being rolled out. Even basic infrastructure works like road carpeting have been suspended due to lack of funds,” he stated.
The impasse has left the Municipal Corporation struggling to meet essential civic responsibilities, underscoring the urgent need for resolution of pending disputes and timely clearance of dues by defaulter institutions.
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