Chandigarh, April 6 -- Even as the UT administration has imposed a steep hike in property tax for residential and commercial properties-putting an additional burden on city residents-government and autonomous institutions in Chandigarh continue to brazenly default on property tax payments to the municipal corporation (MC).

These defaulters collectively owe a staggering Rs.250 crore in tax dues, a significant chunk of the civic body's revenue.

In a controversial move, the UT administration, while approving a three-fold hike in residential property tax and doubling commercial property tax from April 1, has exempted government-owned buildings from the increased rates-sparking sharp criticism from taxpayers and Opposition leaders alike.

De...