Kochi: Citizen digital diary scheme shelved

KOCHI: The corporation has abandoned the citizen digital diary announced in the previous budget, preparing a detailed database of taxpayers. A centralised platform to reach out to the taxpayers and others availing its services, it was expected to plug revenue losses as it helps the fund-starved civic body easily track the defaulters. The scheme was dropped citing that only one firm was qualified in the tendering. Even though the official in charge of the project claimed that a fresh tender would be invited, it is most unlikely to happen as a few top officials are not favouring the scheme.

The plan was to implement the project under the 2016-17 Plan projects at the cost of Rs 5 lakh. At present, the corporation has a database of nearly 30,000 people. “The scheme will help bring accountability and a proper system in tax collection and service delivery," said a top civic official. "By electronically compiling the details of taxpayers, contractors, those who have taken civic body’s properties for lease/rent and service users, it will be a comprehensive database with name, address, email ID and phone number. Status of tax payment, payment to each contractor and details of date of tax remittance and renewal of tax rates can be easily communicated.” If implemented, it would have facilitated a more efficient tax collection and payment system as tracking defaulters and pending payments will be easier.