India, March 18 -- In a bid to recover pending property taxes, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is set to direct housing societies to record outstanding tax dues on share certificates of flat owners who have defaulted on payments. This move, however, has sparked criticism from both housing society members and activists.

Officials said the civic body will issue the order letters to housing societies on Tuesday, and defaulters will face restrictions, including disqualification from contesting or voting in society elections.

There are 6,644 housing societies under its jurisdiction, with 77,886 flat owners collectively owing Rs.180 crore in unpaid property tax. Despite repeated notices, phone calls, and SMS reminders, many ...