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Panjab University (PU) has contested a municipal corporation (MC) demand for Rs 25 crore in property tax, arguing that certain campus areas categorized as commercial actually fall under the residential segment. A meeting has been scheduled by the civic body to address PU's objections, considering records and surveys. While PU representatives missed a previous meeting on property tax in September, the civic body is reviewing documents submitted by PU and conducting additional surveys in response to the university's objections. Sources within the civic body have indicated that PU, as an autonomous body, is within the property tax ambit, and it must fulfil its tax obligations. The MC argues that providing any relaxation to PU could set a precedent for other educational and institutional entities, potentially causing significant financial losses for the MC. In recent communications with the UT administration, the MC emphasized PU's obligation to pay property tax and highlighted the potential adverse consequences of granting exemptions. The MC, responding to PU's objection, conducted a fresh survey and examined documents related to deposits. PU's representation and documents are currently under scrutiny. The property tax bill sent to PU amounted to Rs 25 crore, marking the highest-ever tax demand from a single authority after a comprehensive survey of the university's buildings in the previous financial year. In light of the dispute, a meeting has been convened to discuss and resolve the issues raised by PU. Despite PU's absence from the previous meeting, the MC is committed to considering PU's perspective, as indicated by sources familiar with the matter. The documents submitted by PU are being meticulously examined, and a thorough review of the records and surveys is planned during the upcoming meeting. The contention revolves around the classification of certain campus areas as commercial instead of residential, influencing the property tax assessment. PU claims that a more accurate categorization aligns these areas with the residential segment, potentially reducing the assessed tax liability. It is noteworthy that PU had raised concerns at higher administrative levels regarding the property tax amount, prompting the MC to conduct a renewed survey to address the university's objections comprehensively. The ongoing scrutiny of PU's documents and representations signifies the civic body's commitment to a fair and thorough resolution of the dispute. The financial implications of the property tax dispute extend beyond the immediate concerns of PU and the MC, touching upon broader considerations of taxation for autonomous educational institutions. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how similar matters are handled in the future, impacting the financial dynamics between municipal bodies and autonomous entities. As the meeting approaches, stakeholders eagerly await a resolution that balances the financial interests of the municipal corporation and the perceived tax obligations of Panjab University.
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