HDFC Bank today launched an online payment gateway for the Margao Municipal Council (MMC). 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 through cash and cheque, which can be a time-consuming process.
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.
HDFC Bank has been appointed by MMC 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.
Commenting on the association with HDFC Bank, Mr. Francis D’Souza – Deputy CM and Urban Development minister (Govt. 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. This is a significant step in the evolution of payment of government taxes in the state.”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jorge Bravo D’Costa, Circle Head, HDFCBank, said, “The Margao Municipal Council has achieved a unique distinction by becoming the first in the state to enable electronic payment of government tax. At HDFC Bank, we feel privileged to be chosen as a partner to implement this initiative. The Bank offers a full range of products and services to meet the needs of every customer in Goa through multiple channels. Today we are reaching out to even more people in the state and making a difference in their lives by offering them increased convenience and flexibility to pay government taxes.”
Speaking at the launch Mr. Avijit Nanda, CEO TimesofMoney said, “With DirecPay, we offer 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 andHDFC Bank and aims to help the people of Goa pay house taxes with ease and comfort.
HDFC Bank has 63 branches in Goa. The geographical spread of its branches aligns with the Bank’s national focus on extending reach in under-banked and un-banked locations.
The Bank offers, under one roof, products ranging from Savings Account, Fixed Deposits and Current Account to Two-wheeler loan, Auto loan, Tractor Loan, Commercial Vehicle Loan, Kisan Gold Card, Agri and Commodities Loans, International Credit and Debit Cards.
As of September 30, 2013, the Bank had a distribution network with 3,251 branches and 11,177 ATMs in 2022 cities/towns. At a national level, the Bank has 53% of its branches in semi-urban and rural areas and is continuously extending its reach in the hinterland in its endeavour to support inclusive growth.