The central government may be working overtime to devise ways of revitalising the flagging economy and coming out with stimulus packages, one after the other, but Pune Municipal Corporation has decided the time is ripe to hike several taxes. The list includes water tax and entertainment tax for multiplexes and cinema theatres. It is also planning to introduce an education cess.

The civic administration has suggested the measures to tide over the current financial crisis and multiply its treasury earnings. It has suggested an increase in various taxes on the taxable value of a property for the year 2009-10, excluding the general tax.

Water is likely to get dearer next financial year onwards due to the proposed hike in the water tax, water benefit tax and sanitation tax. Those having four-wheelers might have to pay 10 per cent road tax, from the present five per cent, collected now from even those who do not possess a four-wheeler.

The civic administration has tabled the proposal before the standing committee for approval, as it has to acquire the nod of the state government before February 20, for drawing up next year's budget.

While keeping general tax at the 2008-09 mark, PMC has proposed to increase the minimum limit of property tax from Rs 550 to Rs 750, which is exclusive of water tax and state government taxes. The water tax hike will be applicable to residential properties, commercial properties as also religious establishments.

PMC has said the hike in water tax was necessary due to the increase in the water supply machinery and chemicals. The tax will be collected on the taxable value of the property.

Next financial onwards, the civic body has also proposed an education cess, which will be two per cent on the taxable amount of the property.

Enjoying a movie in a multiplex could also become costlier if PMC's plan to increase entertainment tax for multiplexes, single-screen movie theatres, plays and concerts comes into effect, but only after state government approval. Single-screen theatres having a seating capacity up to 500 might have to pay entertainment tax of Rs 60 from the present Rs 40. For multiplexes, the tax will be doubled from Rs 100 to Rs 200.

The list of tax correction moves includes, fire brigade tax from 0.75 per cent to 2 per cent and conservancy tax from 13 to 15 per cent for garbage disposal. The water benefit tax will be doubled to 8 per cent from 4 per cent. All the taxes will be levied on the taxable value of the property. The civic body has also proposed to increase transit fee for export goods in the city. Those using fuel-run vehicles, have to pay Rs 200, up from the earlier Rs 60.