The Punjab government has announced the finalization of a cleanliness fee to be charged from all sorts of properties, aimed at generating Rs68 billion in revenue from houses, shops and big businesses across urban and rural areas of the province.
Under the newly approved proposals, property owners in urban areas will be charged varying fees based on the size and type of property:
Houses
- Rs300 per month for five-marla houses
- Rs500 per month for 10-marla houses
- Rs1,000 per month for 20-marla houses
- Rs2,000 per month for houses ranging from 20-marla to one kanal
- Rs5,000 per month for properties exceeding 40 marla
Small businesses in urban areas will be taxed at Rs500 per month, while medium businesses will pay Rs1,000 per month. Large businesses are set to pay Rs3,000 per month.
In rural areas, the fee structure will be as follows:
Houses
- Rs200 per month for five and 10 marla houses
- Rs400 per month for properties of 10 marla and above
The Punjab government has justified the imposition of these fees as necessary for funding comprehensive cleaning and sanitation efforts across the province. The revenue generated, estimated at Rs68 billion, will be crucial for maintaining cleanliness standards and managing waste disposal systems effectively.
The government has yet to issue a notification for the implementation of the new fee after which it will be decided when to start charging for cleanliness.