Chandigarh Property Tax Hike Sparks Outrage: CRAWFED Launches Signature Campaign

Chandigarh Property Tax Hike — In a strong show of unity, the Chandigarh Residents Associations Welfare Federation (CRAWFED) has launched a signature campaign opposing the recent three-fold hike in property tax rates, calling it unfair to the city’s middle-class and retired citizens.

The move was formalized during the federation’s executive committee meeting held at the Sector 21 Community Centre, which saw participation from over 86 Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) across Chandigarh. The event was graced by Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu as the chief guest, who pledged full support to the city residents.

Salaried and Retired Hit Hard by Property Tax Hike

Addressing the gathering, CRAWFED President Hitesh Puri emphasized that nearly 80% of Chandigarh’s population comprises salaried individuals and pensioners, who are severely impacted by the sudden hike in property tax. Puri requested MP Sandhu to intervene and urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to withdraw the notification.

“This hike is not just unreasonable, it’s a burden on honest taxpayers. We are not against taxation, but it must be fair and just,” said Puri.

A memorandum highlighting residents’ key concerns was submitted to the MP, who assured that he would escalate the matter to the highest levels.

Federation Highlights Multiple Civic Concerns

In addition to the property tax hike, CRAWFED members raised several other long-pending issues, including:

• Regularisation of need-based changes in CHB flats
• Reservation in jobs and education for Chandigarh natives
• Arbitrary increase in municipal taxes and penalties
• Restrictions on share-wise sale of residential properties due to heritage tags
• Pending park maintenance funds for RWAs
• The Municipal Corporation’s proposal to hike community centre booking charges

Sandhu promised to stand by the residents, stating:

“My priority is the welfare of Chandigarh’s citizens. I will take up every issue discussed today with the relevant ministries and ensure their voices are heard.”

Chandigarh Property Tax Hike: Power Sector Developments Shared by CPDL

Also present at the meeting was Arun Kumar Verma, Director of Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL), who provided updates on the city’s electricity infrastructure.

Verma highlighted the following initiatives:

• A city-wide survey of all grid and 192 indoor substations
• An infrastructure maintenance drive to prepare for the summer load
• 24×7 power helpline launched at 924021666, active since February 1
• Reduction in new power connection time to just three days (where no new infrastructure is needed)
• Replacement of 2,541 defective electricity meters

Verma assured residents that the privatization of the Electricity Department will not affect power tariffs, which continue to be regulated by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission.

With the property tax hike in Chandigarh igniting widespread public anger, the signature campaign by CRAWFED marks a critical step in civic activism. As residents await a government response, the collective voice of RWAs grows louder, demanding not just tax relief but holistic attention to the city’s infrastructural and social needs.