Dhamtari District Creates History with India's First Online Panchayat Tax Collection System
In a landmark development for digital governance in rural India, Dhamtari district in Chhattisgarh has achieved a national first by launching online tax collection through the SAMARTH Panchayat portal. This pioneering initiative was officially rolled out on Thursday at Sankara gram panchayat in Nagri block, where a resident successfully completed the inaugural property tax payment using a UPI-linked online payment gateway.
Transforming Rural Governance Through Digital Solutions
The newly implemented system represents a significant technological advancement for panchayat administration, allowing rural citizens to conveniently pay their taxes from the comfort of their homes. This digital transformation aims to streamline administrative processes, reduce pending arrears, and eliminate the need for physical visits to government offices for tax payments.
Union Panchayati Raj Ministry Secretary Vivek Bhardwaj, who participated in the launch ceremony via video conferencing, highlighted the achievement by noting that Chhattisgarh is now leading the way in digital solutions for rural governance. His remarks underscore the state's commitment to implementing innovative technological approaches in local administration.
Building Self-Reliant Panchayats Through Technology
Chhattisgarh Principal Secretary for Panchayat and Rural Development, Niharika Barik Singh, emphasized that this initiative marks a crucial step toward creating self-reliant panchayats. The digital payment system empowers local governing bodies with modern tools to enhance their operational efficiency and financial management capabilities.
Dhamtari Collector Abinash Mishra explained the broader implications of this project, stating that the system serves as a model for technology-driven governance throughout the state. He further elaborated that Dhamtari has become the first district in India to implement an online property tax system across all its gram panchayats.
Expansion Plans and Future Implementation
The successful pilot program in Dhamtari has paved the way for potential expansion across Chhattisgarh. According to officials, the online payment system is scheduled to be implemented in nearly 400 panchayats throughout the district, ensuring hassle-free digital transactions for rural residents.
This comprehensive rollout demonstrates the district administration's commitment to bringing digital convenience to every corner of rural Dhamtari. The initiative not only simplifies tax collection but also represents a broader movement toward digital inclusion in rural areas, bridging the technological gap between urban and rural communities.
As India continues to advance its digital infrastructure, Dhamtari's achievement stands as a testament to how technology can revolutionize traditional governance systems, making them more accessible, efficient, and citizen-friendly for rural populations across the country.
