HDFC Bank launched an online payment gateway for the Margao Municipal Council. Residents of Margao will now be able to make their house tax payments online in a quick and convenient manner, using any debit card, credit card or netbanking facility.
This first-of-its kind initiative in Goa will reduce time spent commuting and queuing up to make house tax payments. Currently, Margao’s 45,000 registered tax payers physically make payments at the municipal council office through cash and cheque.
The online payment gateway will also allow people who have moved out of the city to make their payments in a timely manner from the comfort of their homes or offices. Similar arrangements are being planned with other municipal councils across the state.
The municipal council has appointed HDFC Bank to implement the online payment solution. For this initiative, TimesofMoney is the channel partner to develop the software for the payment gateway and to integrate various banks netbanking platforms with HDFC Bank’s payment gateway, and National Informatics Centre (NIC) is the nodal government agency handling IT requirements.
Francis D’Souza – deputy chief minister and urban development minister of Goa, said this initiative will help fast-track payments of house tax and reduce the outstanding dues that have not been paid on account of the inability of the tax-payer to physically make the payment.
Speaking on the occasion, Jorge Bravo D’Costa, circle head, HDFC Bank, said the Margao Municipal Council has achieved a unique distinction by becoming the first in the state to enable electronic payment of government tax.
Avijit Nanda, CEO TimesofMoney said with its DirecPay, the company offers a one-stop solution with over 100 payment options including credit cards, debit cards and net banking transfers. This payment solution is a safe and secure platform powered by DirecPay and HDFC Bank and aims to help the people of Goa pay house taxes with ease and comfort.
