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Indian urban local bodies embrace GIS for property tax systems

India's urban local bodies are increasingly adopting a property tax system that utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS). According to Ravi Ranjan Guru, deputy director general of the All-India Institute of Local Self-Government (AIILSG), this approach is proving effective in boosting revenues and combating tax evasion.

AIILSG is providing consultation services to the Indian government and local urban organizations with regards to implementing effective local governance practices and incorporating technology. Earlier this month, a U20 event was organized in Indore through a collaborative effort between the body and the Indore Municipal Corporation.

The adoption of GIS-based property systems is rapidly increasing among urban areas in the country, which is proving beneficial for governments as it generates substantial revenue. City master plans are created with the aid of GIS-based systems, which play a crucial role.

According to experts, in large urban civic bodies, approximately 70 percent of fundamental services have been transitioned to digital platforms in India. This move has resulted in a significant increase in revenue and a reduction in operational expenses. The adoption of digital platforms is expected to result in reduced operational expenses and enhanced work productivity for local authorities. Guru stated that digital networks have taken over nearly 70 percent of the fundamental tasks of India's urban local bodies.

The AIILSG is conducting training programs in conjunction with the government of Madhya Pradesh to impart knowledge on urban governance to officials and elected representatives. AIILSG is currently collaborating with approximately 150 urban local bodies, both directly and indirectly, in India.

Officials have emphasized the need for local authorities to recognize the unique characteristics of their community and make efforts towards its growth and progress. All cities possess unique qualities or characteristics that define their distinctiveness.

A GIS is a comprehensive system that generates, handles, examines, and maps various forms of data. GIS links a map to data, merging the geographic information (the whereabouts of things) with various descriptive details (the characteristics of the area). Nearly all industries, including the world of science, employ the groundwork of mapping and analysis as a critical tool. GIS aids in comprehending connections, trends, and geographical circumstances for its users. By opting for such an approach, one can reap a host of advantages including enhanced level of communicative skills, increased productivity and streamlined decision-making and administration systems.

GIS technology has been acknowledged as advantageous by the government in various areas such as infrastructure development, water resources, forest management, mining, electric and gas utilities, telecommunications, and Swachh Bharat initiatives.

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