Berhampur set to launch e-collection of taxes

Berhampur: The city’s civic body is soon going to introduce online payment of holding taxes and trading license fees. "We have decided to collect revenue online as per a government directive. The system will be introduced in at least seven wards on a pilot basis. Later, it will be extended to the other 30 wards in a phased manner," said Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) mayor Siba Shankar Dash. "Introduction of online tax collection is one of the priority areas of BMC," the mayor said. Before introducing the system, the civic body would launch an awareness programme on the benefits of online payment. BMC officials said the online system would plug leakage of revenue, reduce disputes and maintain transparency on transactions. "It would also make the payment process easier for tax payers as they don't have to come to the municipal office," an official said. Sources said the government had directed BMC to make online collection of revenues some years ago, but the system was yet to be implemented. Some councilors had questioned the delay in introducing online collection of revenue at a meeting on Saturday, the sources said. "Shortage of skilled manpower was the main reason for the delay," said BMC commissioner A K Mohanty. "We have already introduced the issue of birth and death certificates through online under the e-municipal programme" he added.

Source: Times of India