Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the launch of a WhatsApp-based system to facilitate tax payments with an aim to simplify access to essential services for residents of the city.
The announcement was made at the 32nd General Council meeting of the BMC held on Wednesday. The digital mode would enable citizens to pay holding taxes and obtain trade certificates directly through WhatsApp. This move is likely to reduce long queues at municipal offices and ease administrative burdens.
During the meeting, the civic body announced a series of citizen-centric decisions aimed at easing public service access and improving urban infrastructure.
This digital platform will be available in both Odia and English, ensuring ease of use for a wide demographic.
Mayor Sulochana Das said many people are unable to pay their holding taxes due to time constraints or other factors. Since everyone has a mobile phone these days, this new initiative will enable them to pay taxes and obtain trade certificates through WhatsApp.
Another important announcement made during the meeting was that the long-awaited Saheed Nagar haat is set to be allotted shortly. The BMC stated that construction and setup work is nearly complete, and arrangements are on for providing shed infrastructure to support small traders and vendors and protect their stalls and goods.
The BMC also approved a plan to conduct a citywide dog census.
This apart, it was stated that several advertising agencies have failed to clear their dues. Notices have been served to these agencies, and if payments are not made within the stipulated time, legal action will be initiated against them.
In view of monsoon rains, the council discussed desilting of major drains and installation of slabs over open drains in various parts of the city to reduce waterlogging and improve pedestrian safety.
