LUDHIANA: The Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) is set to launch a groundbreaking “doorstep tax collection” service to address outstanding municipal dues.
This new initiative will see civic employees using handheld point of sale (POS) machines to visit residential and commercial properties for on-the-spot tax calculations and collections. This approach shifts to a “service-at-your-door” model, aimed at assisting those who have not managed to settle their dues at MC offices.
Smart assessment and real-time tracking
The MC has acquired 48 POS machines, distributing 12 units across each of the city’s four zones. While water supply dues are fixed, property tax calculations depend on area and usage, making the new handheld devices essential for accurately assessing tax liabilities immediately.
According to MC superintendent Vivek Verma, Ludhiana will be the first city in Punjab to implement this system. “The primary benefit is real-time monitoring via the MC dashboard,” Verma explained. “This allows us to oversee field staff promptly, minimizing errors in assessment or manual mistakes.”
Targeting defaulters
This initiative aims to help the civic body achieve its annual financial targets. This year, the MC has collected ₹142 crore towards a target of ₹160 crore. Officials believe that the remaining ₹18 crore, along with significant past dues, is primarily owed by “defaulters” who avoid visiting official counters.
Taxpayers will enjoy three key conveniences: immediate receipts issued on-site (either paper or digital), multiple payment options including digital transfers, bank drafts, or cash, and an “audit on wheels” feature where staff will verify past tax calculations based on current regulations.
Mayor Inderjit Kaur is expected to formally launch the initiative after a brief training session for the field staff. While the water supply department already collects dues at residents’ doors, officials emphasize that this property tax system signifies a major technological advancement for the city’s revenue department.
