The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has introduced a WhatsApp-based system to facilitate tax payments, aiming to simplify access to essential services for residents of the capital city.
The announcement was made during the 32nd General Council meeting of the BMC, where officials unveiled the new digital tool that enables citizens to pay holding taxes and obtain trade certificates directly through WhatsApp. This move is expected to reduce long queues at municipal offices and ease administrative burdens.
“Everyone has a mobile phone nowadays. This initiative will help residents pay taxes and access trade certificates with ease, right from their fingertips,” said BMC Mayor Sulochana Das. The WhatsApp platform will support both Odia and English, ensuring accessibility across demographics.
Saheed Nagar Haat Opening Soon
Another key update from the meeting was the announcement that the much-anticipated Saheed Nagar haat (marketplace) is nearing completion and will soon be allotted to vendors. The market is equipped with shed infrastructure to support small traders and safeguard their merchandise from weather-related issues.
Additional Urban Initiatives
The BMC also approved a citywide dog census to aid in urban planning and animal welfare efforts. In addition, the council issued notices to defaulter advertising agencies, warning of legal action if dues remain unpaid. Preparations for the monsoon season, including desilting of drains and installation of slabs to prevent waterlogging, were also discussed.
With this series of citizen-focused reforms, the BMC continues to position Bhubaneswar as a pioneering smart city in India’s digital governance landscape.
