GCC launches automation software for citizen services

Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) on Thursday launched automation software to facilitate online payment of holding tax, trade licence fees and other civic service charges, allowing residents to access the services without visiting city corporation offices.

GCC Administrator Md Shawkat Hossain Sarkar inaugurated the service at the Nagar Bhaban conference room.

Officials said three automation projects had been completed to facilitate online payment of holding taxes, trade licence fees, citizen certificates, water bills, lease fees and market rents.

Residents will be able to pay the fees through mobile banking, digital wallets, online banking, debit and credit cards and agent banking, they said.

Meanwhile, the city corporation's online water bill collection service through the Ekpay platform is currently being operated on a pilot basis.

Speaking at the event, Shawkat Hossain said other civic services would also be brought under the digital system in phases, adding that the initiative would save residents time and reduce the need for physical visits to city corporation offices.

Chief Executive Officer Tanzila Khanam said proper holding mapping, data-based revenue management and the use of modern technology were important for increasing revenue collection and improving management.

Chief Executive Officer Tanzila Khanam chaired the programme, attended by Chief Engineer Abdul Barek, Chief Revenue Officer Muhammad Saniul Quader, Additional Chief Engineer Sudip Basak, Project Director and Supervising Engineer Lehaz Uddin, and officials from the ICT Division, a2i and the city corporation.