The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has taken decisive measures on property taxation, freezing hikes for the 2026–27 financial year and slashing punitive charges on unauthorised “need-based” structures, fulfilling election promises championed by forest minister Ganesh Naik.
At its first post-election general body meeting on Thursday, chaired by Mayor Sujata Patil, the NMMC witnessed sharp contrasts between elected corporators and administrative officers over property tax concessions. Commissioner Kailas Shinde highlighted the challenge ahead, noting that the civic body faces a steep revenue target of ₹1,000–1,200 crore, with nearly 172,000 of 358,000 property owners chronic defaulters. A significant portion of these defaulters own unauthorised or “need-based” constructions in gaothan villages. Shinde warned officials of strict action if recovery targets are not met and urged corporators to support, not obstruct, collection efforts.
Despite administrative concerns, the general body unanimously passed two resolutions: one freezing property tax and water charges for 2026–27, and another reducing penalties on unauthorised constructions from 200% to 5%. House leader Sagar Naik said, “Due to natural family growth, additional structures came up in villages, gaothan areas, and LIG (low income group) settlements. These structures were built out of necessity. But the administration had declared them illegal and imposed double penalties, which was unjust for the common working class.”
BJP corporators extended relief to slum areas. Bharti Patil remarked, “The excessive penalty had created a heavy tax and interest burden on low-income groups,” while Suraj Patil added, “Ganesh Naik’s leadership fulfills the dreams of Navi Mumbai citizens; he practices what he promises. Having upheld the promise of no tax increase for the past twenty years, he has assured the same for the next twenty years.”
Shinde, however, maintained a firm stance: “An unauthorised construction remains precisely that, regardless of circumstances… all such structures will be treated strictly as unauthorised.” He warned that corporators encouraging illegal building practices risk legal action, adding, “If the revenue increases, the corporators themselves will benefit through increased development funds for their wards.”
The house also moved to remind the state government about pending proposals for broader waivers, including full exemptions for properties up to 500 sq ft and 75% concessions for houses measuring 501–700 sq ft.
Source: Hindustan Times
