Write a short note on E-governance services by Greater Visakhapatnan Municipal Corporation.

E-governance Services by Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has been a pioneer in implementing e-governance services to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of urban governance. By leveraging technology, GVMC aims to provide a wide range of services to its residents, thereby improving the quality of municipal administration and citizen engagement.

Key E-governance Services:

1. Online Property Tax Payment:
   GVMC offers an online platform for property tax payments, enabling residents to pay their taxes conveniently without visiting municipal offices. This service includes features like property tax calculation, payment history, and receipt generation, simplifying the tax compliance process.

2. Water Bill Payment:
   Residents can pay their water bills online through the GVMC portal. This service helps in reducing the administrative burden and encourages timely payments, ensuring better revenue collection for the municipality.

3. Grievance Redressal System:
   The e-governance portal includes a robust grievance redressal mechanism where citizens can lodge complaints related to civic issues such as sanitation, street lighting, and water supply. The system tracks the status of complaints and ensures timely resolution, enhancing accountability and responsiveness.

4. Building Plan Approvals:
   GVMC's online system for building plan approvals streamlines the process of obtaining construction permits. Applicants can submit their plans, track the approval process, and receive notifications, reducing the time and effort involved in manual approvals.

5. Birth and Death Certificates:
   The corporation provides an online service for the issuance of birth and death certificates. Citizens can apply, verify, and download these certificates online, making the process hassle-free and efficient.

6. GIS-based Property Mapping:
   GVMC has implemented Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for accurate property mapping and management. This system helps in better urban planning, property tax assessment, and resource allocation.

Impact and Benefits:

The e-governance services by GVMC have significantly improved the efficiency of municipal services, reduced corruption, and enhanced citizen satisfaction. By making services accessible online, GVMC has minimized the need for physical visits to municipal offices, saving time and effort for residents. Additionally, the transparency and accountability fostered by these services have strengthened trust between the municipality and its citizens.

In conclusion, the e-governance initiatives of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation demonstrate how technology can be effectively used to improve urban governance and service delivery, setting a benchmark for other municipalities in India.