(OT Webdesk)In a major step toward enhancing digital accessibility, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a WhatsApp-integrated system that allows citizens to pay holding taxes and obtain trade certificates directly through their mobile phones.
Introduced at the 32nd General Council meeting, the initiative aims to eliminate long queues and streamline administrative processes.
BMC Mayor Sulochana Das emphasised the significance of digital integration for inclusive governance: “Everyone has a mobile phone nowadays.
This initiative will help residents pay taxes and access trade certificates with ease, right from their fingertips.” The platform supports both Odia and English to ensure broader user accessibility.
Saheed Nagar Haat Nears Allotment.
The council also announced that the much-awaited Saheed Nagar haat (market) is nearing completion and will soon be operational.
Designed with weather-resistant shed infrastructure, the haat will cater to small traders and boost local commerce.
- A citywide dog census to support urban planning and animal welfare.
- Legal notices were issued to advertising agencies defaulting on their dues.
- Pre-monsoon infrastructure work, including drain desilting and slab installations to mitigate waterlogging.
These efforts collectively reinforce Bhubaneswar’s vision to emerge as a front-runner in India’s smart city movement by prioritising citizen-centric innovations.
