Navi Mumbai: The prestigious Scotch Award 2025 was presented to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) at the 104th Scotch Summit in New Delhi for its comprehensive reforms in the property tax system and citizen-centric digital governance initiatives. This feat is described as national recognition of the innovative initiatives being implemented by NMMC under the guidance of municipal commissioner Kailas Shinde. The nationally prestigious Scotch Award received by NMMC is stated to be the result of the collective efforts of civic officials, employees, and citizens of Navi Mumbai, said Shinde.On behalf of the NMMC, the award was received by additional commissioner Sunil Pawar and deputy commissioner of the property tax department Amol Palve, from the hands of chairman of the Scotch Development Foundation Sameer Kochhar. Through this, the work of NMMC on the criteria of good governance, transparency, a technology-based taxation system, and excellent financial management was recognised at the national level. The property tax reform initiative was highlighted as a primary factor, with the project described as not just a technical change but also a foundation for building the trust of citizens and the economic empowerment of the city.
Shinde considered it the biggest contribution of citizens who chip in to the development of the city by paying taxes on time. NMMC implemented a completely new and well-planned property tax system, replacing the previous handwritten, flawed, and half-yearly tax collection system, said Shinde. Under this system, a single fixed annual tax bill, automatic tax collection based on govt rates, transparent and fair assessment, and a simple tax structure that is understandable to citizens were implemented. In the reforms in the property tax system, special priority was given to inclusiveness.The facility of paying taxes through various channels, both offline and online, and an easy tax payment facility through QR code was provided to citizens. Various types of tax payment services, such as the municipal corporation’s website www.nmmc.gov.in, My NMMC app, credit card, debit card, as well as all UPI facilities like GPay, PhonePe, Paytm, and WhatsApp chatbot, public awareness campaigns, and information-based arrears collection campaigns were implemented. Due to this, citizens’ confidence in paying taxes increased, and spontaneous participation increased significantly.“To ensure accurate identification of properties, geo-location of properties, verification and updating of addresses, verification of contact numbers, and focused action on high-taxability properties were taken. This increased accuracy and transparency in tax assessment and collection. The reform process stabilised the financial flow of the NMMC and enabled it to implement roads, water supply, sanitation, health, and civic amenities more effectively. There was a significant reduction in complaints and disputes, which built trust among citizens in the administration,” said Shinde.
