A significant response was recorded by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation after the launch of its Abhay Scheme for property tax defaulters. Within only nine days of the scheme being introduced, dues worth Rs 20.15 crore were cleared by 5,744 property owners, and the early figures were seen as a strong indication that the initiative was being positively received by taxpayers. The scheme, which was launched on March 10, was designed to encourage defaulters to regularise their pending property tax payments by offering a 50% waiver on late payment charges. However, this concession was made available only on the condition that the entire outstanding tax amount up to the financial year 2025–26 was paid in one lump sum.
It was stated by civic officials that the response from citizens had been encouraging, although a considerable number of defaulters were still yet to settle their dues. Through the scheme, an attempt was being made to both improve tax compliance and strengthen the municipal corporation’s revenue position before the end of the financial period. A senior official was quoted as saying that “encouraging participation” had been shown by citizens and that all remaining property holders were being urged to clear their taxes before March 31 so that the penalty concession could still be availed. The deadline was therefore being highlighted as a crucial date, beyond which the benefit would no longer be available.
When node-wise collections were examined, the highest recovery was reported from Nerul, where over Rs 5.70 crore was collected. This was followed by Koparkhairane, from where Rs 4.48 crore was recovered, and Ghansoli, which contributed Rs 2.88 crore. Additional collections were also reported from Belapur at Rs 2.61 crore, Turbhe at Rs 2.11 crore, and Vashi at Rs 1.39 crore. Smaller but notable recoveries were made from Airoli and Digha, where Rs 46.49 lakh and Rs 48.57 lakh respectively were received. These figures suggested that participation had been generated across multiple parts of Navi Mumbai and that the scheme had not been limited to only one or two high-paying areas.
Another important trend was observed in the mode of payment being chosen by taxpayers. According to officials, nearly 55% of the payments were made through digital channels, including the civic body’s official portal and its WhatsApp chatbot. This shift was seen as evidence that digital platforms were being increasingly accepted for municipal payments and that greater convenience was being offered to taxpayers who preferred online methods over physical visits.
To support broader participation, tax collection centres were kept open in all eight ward offices. It was also announced that these centres would remain functional even on public holidays such as Gudi Padwa, Ramzan Eid, Ram Navami and Mahavir Jayanti. On working days, services were being provided from 10 am to 5 pm. Through these extended arrangements, easier access was being ensured for those who wished to clear their dues without delay.
Overall, the Abhay Scheme was being viewed as an effective revenue recovery measure, and further gains were expected if more defaulters came forward before March 31. It was being hoped by the civic administration that improved compliance would be achieved and municipal finances would be strengthened further in the days ahead.