EWS Housing Beneficiaries in Chikhli Demand Property Tax Waiver
BJP Corporators Submit Memorandum to Civic Chief
Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra: A renewed demand has emerged from beneficiaries of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing scheme in Chikhli, urging the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation to grant a permanent waiver on property tax. The housing project was developed under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission aimed at providing affordable housing to low-income families.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) corporators have formally submitted a memorandum to Municipal Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, pressing for immediate action on the issue. The delegation included corporators Kundan Gaikwad and Yogita Nagargoje, along with housing federation representatives and local social activists.
The Chikhli housing project comprises nearly 158 buildings accommodating around 6,636 families, most of whom belong to economically weaker sections and depend on daily wages for survival. With rising inflation, education expenses, and ongoing loan repayments, residents are reportedly struggling to manage their finances. The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened their condition, leaving many households in distress.
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Residents have also highlighted the absence of essential civic amenities even after more than a decade since the project’s completion. Basic infrastructure such as schools, playgrounds, markets, gardens, and community halls remain unavailable. Additionally, issues like waterlogging during monsoon, sewage overflow, contaminated drinking water, and frequent drainage blockages have raised serious public health concerns.
Given that the housing units are limited to approximately 36.77 sq. meters (395.65 sq. ft.), corporators have demanded tax exemption under Section 140(1) of the municipal provisions, similar to relief measures applicable in other urban local bodies. The issue has also been raised earlier in the state legislature by MLA Mahesh Landge, seeking urgent intervention.
In the memorandum, Kundan Gaikwad urged the civic administration to table the proposal in the General Body meeting and forward it to the state government for approval. The move is expected to bring significant financial relief to thousands of low-income families residing in the area.
“This housing scheme is a crucial support system for economically weaker families. However, the burden of property tax, coupled with inadequate civic amenities, has made survival difficult. A permanent tax waiver will provide much-needed relief and help families live with dignity.”
- Kundan Gaikwad, BJP Corporator
Nilesh Newale, BJP Corporator, added, “We are fully aware of the challenges faced by EWS beneficiaries in Chikhli. I will actively follow up with the municipal administration to resolve the property tax issue and ensure pending civic amenities are delivered at the earliest. Securing justice for these residents is our responsibility.”
- Nilesh Newale, BJP Corporator,
