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The Avadi Municipal Corporation in Chennai is making strides in modernizing its property tax collection process and addressing citizen grievances by distributing QR code-embedded identity cards. These innovative plastic cards feature a QR code and a unique property identification number, offering residents the convenience of paying property tax, accessing various services, and reporting issues such as garbage disposal problems, water supply concerns, and other deficiencies.
While the move is aimed at improving services, some residents have expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming they were neither informed nor educated about the proper usage of these cards. The functional concept behind these cards is quite straightforward. With a QR code printed on each card, residents can easily scan it using their smartphones, redirecting them to a platform where they can execute tasks like property tax payments, accessing a range of services, and filing complaints regarding various urban challenges.
A representative from the corporation shared that a significant number of these cards, around 11,000, have already been distributed to households. The Avadi Corporation has a substantial task at hand, managing as many as 87,000 assessed properties in the region.
This innovative approach of utilizing QR codes on identity cards is part of a larger endeavour by the government to streamline citizen services through the power of technology. Notably, the Greater Chennai Corporation made a similar announcement last year regarding its intention to distribute QR code-equipped cards to property tax payers. However, the rollout of this initiative has yet to materialize.
The convenience factor of these QR code-enabled cards is evident in the process they enable. When a resident scans the QR code, they are seamlessly directed to a payment gateway specifically designed for property tax transactions. This platform not only allows residents to view any pending dues but also facilitates secure payments. This is particularly beneficial for those individuals who might face challenges when trying to pay property taxes through the Tamil Nadu Urban Pay portal, especially if they are not registered users.
By simplifying the payment process, the corporation aims to eliminate the need for residents to physically visit their offices and endure long queues, enhancing the overall experience of property tax payment. Although the implementation of these QR code-enabled cards is still ongoing, the corporation intends to activate the QR code functionality as soon as all eligible property owners receive their cards.
However, the rollout hasn't been entirely smooth, as some residents have voiced concerns. Many feel that the corporation's communication and education efforts regarding the purpose and usage of these cards have been insufficient. The distributed cards seem to lack clear instructions on how to maximize their functionalities, leading to confusion and uncertainty among users. In addition to the payment capabilities, residents are uncertain about how to utilize the QR codes for reporting grievances effectively.
In summary, the Avadi Municipal Corporation's issuance of QR code-imprinted identity cards presents a forward-thinking approach to modernizing property tax collection and addressing urban grievances. While the concept holds great potential for streamlining citizen services, there is room for improvement in communication and education efforts to ensure that residents fully comprehend and benefit from the innovative functionalities of these cards. As the corporation continues to fine-tune the implementation process, they must also focus on providing clear instructions and explanations to residents, enabling them to make the most of this technological advancement.
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