a day ago
Ration shops in Prayagraj to soon offer bill payments and essential services
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Prayagraj: In the days to come, residents of Sangam City will be able to deposit house and water tax and even electricity bills, at ration shops. With the state govt modernising ration shops, 75 Annapurna Bhavans are proposed for Prayagraj, and land has already been designated for 63 of them.
These upgraded centres will offer free ration, daily essentials, and utility services such as property tax, water tax, and electricity bill payments, and even issue certificates. This initiative aims to simplify services for residents and boost income for ration shop operators, with govt approval expected soon for full-scale implementation.
In a significant step towards digital inclusion and service integration at the grassroot level, the Uttar Pradesh govt is planning to transform govt ration shops in Prayagraj into hi-tech multi-utility service centres.
This initiative is part of a broader plan to modernise the public distribution system (PDS) and enhance convenience for residents, particularly building owners, who will now be able to pay their taxes at nearby ration shops instead of visiting distant municipal offices.
According to district supply officer, Sunil Singh, to facilitate this, the govt has ordered the construction of 75 'Annapurna Bhavans' in Prayagraj.
These buildings will house the upgraded ration shops and will be equipped with computers and internet connectivity.
These Annapurna Bhavans will also sell essential commodities beyond ration items, including pulses, sugar, salt, and basic spices, to make them one-stop convenience centres. Plans are also underway to provide services like issuing birth and death certificates and accepting electricity bill payments.
"Discussions are ongoing at the govt level to finalise the inclusion of water and property tax services. Once the approval comes through, the district administration plans to prioritise implementation to ensure smooth access for citizens," said chief tax assessment officer of the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation, PK Mishra. He added that all efforts will be made to ensure that people face do not face any inconvenience while accessing these services.
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