Now, PCMC to launch SMS drive on LBT

After the success of its SMS campaign to create public awareness about unauthorised constructions and to stop people from buying homes in illegally built buildings in the twin township, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is now planning to launch a similar drive to spread awareness about the local body tax (LBT).

Municipal commissioner Dr Shrikar Pardeshi told reporters on Wednesday that the civic body has decided to use bulk SMS service to get maximum recovery of LBT and spread information about the tax system. The LBT came into force in Pimpri Chinchwad from April 1 though the traders and industrialists opposed it.

The PCMC has made a provision of Rs 1.39 lakh for sending SMSes and engaged a private firm to carry out the campaign. A proposal in this regard has been sent to the standing committee for its approval.

Besides, the PCMC has also started sending reminders through letters and emails to those who have failed to pay the LBT. It will send 12,500 letters via post and 3,500 emails to traders and businessmen urging them to pay the LBT.

As per the rules, it is mandatory for the traders to pay LBT before the 20th of every month and the civic administration has power to collect interest on dues of those failing to pay the tax in time.
Earlier this year, when the PCMC had launched its massive anti-encroachment drive, the civic body had sent over 14 lakh SMSes guiding citizens to buy safe properties in the twin town. The campaign had received overwhelming response. The PCMC has also been using bulk SMS service to remind people to pay their water property tax dues on time.

Using tech for the good

PCMC sent more than 14 lakh SMSes guiding people on how to buy safe properties even as it continued with its anti-encroachment drive early this year. The list of authorised constructions was published on PCMC website too.
It also used recorded voice messages of mayor Mohini Lande to remind citizens about their water and property tax dues.

At the click of a button

PCMC aspires to be the first civic body in Maharashtra to introduce an e-office. It plans to make information about civic services available on the Internet.
The broadband-based networking of civic offices will facilitate users to lodge complaints about amenities, apply for various certificates and seek information about services offered by the civic body from anywhere, anytime. The users can also pay the municipal taxes and other fees online.
PCMC has also started to digitise the civic records.