BMP launches `palmtecs'

BMP launches `palmtecs'

The Hindu

The civic body wants to ensure transparency and check corruption

BANGALORE: If you are one of those who have been "harassed" by tax inspectors of the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP), then here is some good news for you.

To bring in transparency and check alleged corruption by tax inspectors when they are collecting property tax from citizens at their doorsteps, the BMP on Wednesday launched "palmtecs" that can generate instant receipts for the tax collected.

These handheld computers, which are being introduced as part of the BMP's e-governance initiatives, are similar to the devices used by Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) staff to issue power bills on the spot.

The BMP tax receipt will show the property identity number (PID), name and address of the property owner and also tax arrears, if any. If the tax is more than Rs. 1,000, people can pay through cheques or demand drafts. While displaying the cheque/demand draft number and the bank's name, the receipt will also mention that it is subject to realisation of the cheque/demand draft. The BMP Commissioner K. Jothiramalingam and the Mayor Mumtaz Begum, who launched the devices, said this initiative aimed at checking all complaints of corruption in tax collection and accurate accounting. "Though most of the people have accepted self-assessment of property tax scheme and pay promptly, there are some who still wait for the tax inspectors to come and collect it. There are chances of `corruption' here when the inspector may issue a receipt for a lesser amount while taking more or he may reduce the tax at a price. And the owner is not sure whether the amount collected is really deposited with the BMP. This device will put an end to all such problems," he said.

The BMP Additional Commissioner Gaurav Gupta explained that the software in the device can store details of 4,000 property of a revenue range. "The inspectors need not carry books and ledgers to places. They will also be saved of the hassles of recording the day's accounts with the revenue office at the end of the day. They can enter all transactions into the computer at the office by connecting the device to the machine through a cord," he said.

Mr. Gupta said though the BMP has procured 260 "palmtecs", only 20 will be used in the first phase in Mathikere, Sanjay Nagar, JP Nagar, Jayanagar, Yediyur, Pattabhiram Nagar, Hebbal, Ganga Nagar and Aramane Nagar wards. Over Rs. 33 lakhs has been spent on the project (each device costs Rs. 12,900) and all tax inspectors have been trained to use the devices.