The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) plans to implement an Integrated Voice Response System (IVRS) to remind its six lakh property tax defaulters of their dues. Munish Moudgil, Special Commissioner (Revenue), confirmed the initiative, likening it to reminders sent by banks. The BBMP aims to streamline revenue collection and reduce the burden on officials by outsourcing IVRS services. The system targets 20 lakh properties registered for property tax, with over 6 lakh in default. IVRS will handle reminders, feedback collection, and citizen queries through Sahaya 2.0, with an AI-based system expected to manage up to 70,000 calls daily.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is taking proactive measures to ensure that property tax defaulters fulfill their obligations to the civic body. Currently the BBMP is dealing with around six lakh property defaulters. To achieve this, BBMP is set to implement an Integrated Voice Response System (IVRS). Munish Moudgil, the Special Commissioner for Revenue, said that the Palike will shortly introduce IVRS to remind defaulters of their outstanding dues, just like a banks' reminder systems for customers.
A recent tender was issued by BBMP to procure IVRS services from a private agency for a two-year term. This move comes in response to the alarming number of properties, out of the 20 lakh registered under A khata or B khata registry, failing to clear their tax dues.
Delays in tax payment not only incur substantial penalties and interest but also expose defaulters to potential criminal prosecution and property attachment. BBMP's decision to implement IVRS aims to alleviate the burden on revenue officials responsible for manual reminder calls and messages. Palike officials intend to utilize IVRS not only for reminders but also to gather feedback on citizen complaints through platforms like Sahaya 2.0.
With an ambitious target of placing 60,000 to 70,000 calls daily to tax defaulters, BBMP plans to employ an AI-based system to handle citizen queries efficiently.
In addition to reminding defaulters, the IVRS system will serve as a channel for citizens to voice their concerns, enhancing overall engagement between the civic body and the community. By leveraging technology, BBMP aims to improve tax compliance while reducing administrative overhead.
To conclude, the introduction of IVRS represents a strategic move by BBMP to leverage technology for better governance and revenue collection, ensuring that property tax defaulters are duly reminded of their obligations and encouraged to settle their dues promptly.
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