The Madhya Pradesh Urban Development and Housing Department on Wednesday announced a special discount on surcharges for online payments of property tax, water charges, and other consumer fees between March 25-31.

In a move to encourage timely payments, the department has confirmed that individuals paying these charges online will receive discounts on the surcharge. The decision applies to payments made within the specified period.

Municipal Commissioner Harendra Narayan has directed the city’s tax collectors to ensure proper dissemination of information regarding these discounts, urging citizens to pay their dues online to avail of the benefits. All Bhopal municipal zone and ward offices will remain open on holidays, including Sundays, to accommodate taxpayers.

According to the order, a 100% discount on surcharge is available for property taxes up to Rs 50,000, and varying discounts apply for higher dues. Specifically, 50% discount is offered for dues between Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh, while a 25% discount is available for amounts exceeding Rs 1 lakh. This initiative aims for a 100% recovery of outstanding fees, with a strong focus on collecting due amounts from defaulters.

For water charges, 100% discount is available on amounts up to Rs 10,000, with 75% for dues between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000, and 50% for amounts exceeding Rs 50,000. The department has called for complete clearance of dues during this period.

Meanwhile, Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a reminder that only five days remain to pay the property tax for the financial year 2024-25.

Following the March 31 deadline tax rates will double for the next financial year, the civic body said while urging citizens to pay in time to avoid penalties.