GHMC makes digital payments mandatory for property tax, others in 27 newly merged local bodies

Hyderabad: Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has made digital payments mandatory for property tax, trade licence fees, and vacant land tax in the 27 local bodies that were recently merged into its limits.

The decision has been taken to ensure greater transparency in GHMC.

With this move, cash payments will no longer be accepted in these areas, GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan announced. The decision brings the merged local bodies on par with the existing GHMC areas, where digital-only payments are already in force.

Uniform system across all 60 Circles

The Commissioner said the new arrangement is part of GHMC’s broader objective of ensuring uniform civic services, integrated administration, and transparent financial practices across the city. Steps have been taken to implement the same payment system in all 60 GHMC circles, including the newly merged regions.

Digital modes mandatory, no cash acceptance

Residents and business owners in the 27 merged local bodies must now pay property tax, vacant land tax, and trade licence fees only through digital modes. Payments can be made using UPI, debit cards, credit cards, and net banking.

While demand drafts (DDs) and cheques will still be accepted, cash payments are strictly prohibited. This rule applies whether payments are made at GHMC citizen service centres or to bill collectors in the field.

Curbing irregularities, improving revenue tracking

Officials said the decision was taken to curb irregularities and strengthen accountability. In the past, when cash payments were permitted, collections often remained with bill collectors or tax inspectors for long periods and were not promptly credited to the GHMC treasury. Previous inquiries had exposed several cases of misappropriation and procedural lapses.

By switching to digital payments, GHMC aims to ensure that every transaction is recorded instantly, reducing the scope for malpractice.

Real-time data on Trade Licences

Another key benefit of the digital system is real-time tracking. Officials said it will now be possible to know exactly how many commercial establishments have paid their trade licence fees and how much revenue has been generated at any given time.

Convenience for Citizens

GHMC also highlighted the convenience factor for taxpayers. Citizens can make payments from their homes or workplaces without having to visit municipal offices, saving both time and effort.

Urging cooperation, GHMC appealed to residents of the newly merged areas to familiarise themselves with the digital payment system and support the move towards transparent and efficient civic administration.