In a move welcomed by thousands of residents, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Bathinda Mayor Padamjit Singh Mehta have announced a major relief scheme on pending property tax dues, extending the deadline to August 31, 2025.
The scheme waives 18% interest and 20% penalty on property tax arrears from 2013–14 to 2024–25, providing direct financial relief to citizens. Initially available between May 18 and July 31, 2025, and later extended till August 15, the initiative has now been pushed further in response to overwhelming public demand.
Mayor Mehta highlighted that from September 1 to October 31, 2025, pending tax can still be cleared with a reduced charge of 9% interest and 10% penalty, after which the old rates will apply again.
Strong Response and Record Collections
The scheme has already delivered impressive results. Compared to just ₹2.77 crore collected in six months during an earlier drive in 2023–24, this year’s campaign has brought in ₹11.25 crore within three months.
The Bathinda Municipal Corporation, under the leadership of Mayor Mehta and Commissioner Kanchan, held awareness camps across residential wards, industrial hubs, and focal points, encouraging citizens and business owners to clear their dues. Many industries that had defaulted since 2013 came forward for the first time to pay their arrears.
Commitment to Development and Welfare
CM Bhagwant Mann emphasized that the revenue generated will be used for urban development and welfare projects, ensuring that taxpayers directly see the benefits of their contributions.
Mayor Mehta urged citizens to make the most of the extended deadline, stressing that those who pay before August 31 will enjoy maximum savings, while delays will result in higher penalties.
