By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a stern warning to Patliputra University, demanding the payment of outstanding property tax dues amounting to ₹13.57 crore. The PMC has threatened to confiscate the Vice Chancellor’s office, college property, and other assets if the dues are not cleared within seven days. A press release was issued by the corporation highlighting the situation, stating that repeated notices have failed to prompt payment.
AN College Tops the Defaulters’ List
Among the institutions under Patliputra University, AN College owes the largest sum, with dues totalling ₹12.27 crore out of the ₹13.57 crore owed by the university and its affiliated colleges. If the payment is not made within the stipulated period, the PMC has warned of seizing assets, including vehicles and other materials, to recover the dues.
Patna University’s Dues Reduced to ₹87 Lakh
In the last financial year, both Patna University and Patliputra University were among the government institutions with the highest property tax arrears. However, Patna University has since cleared its dues, leaving only ₹87 lakh outstanding for the current financial year. The PMC has already marked the properties of defaulting institutions for potential action.
Legal Provisions
The PMC highlighted that under the Bihar Municipality Act 2007, the Municipal Property Tax Rules 2013, and the Patna Municipal Corporation Tax and Non-Tax Revenue Recovery Regulations 2013, it is mandatory for property owners to pay property tax or vacant land tax on time. Non-compliance may result in severe actions, including the issuance of demand letters, cessation of municipal services, seizure and sale of movable or immovable property, and attachment of bank accounts.
The corporation’s proactive measures aim to enforce compliance and ensure timely recovery of property taxes from defaulters.
