Mumbaikars can soon pay MCGM bills through mobile app

The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has decided to start a 'mobility solution' for citizens, where its services will be provided to citizens via a mobile phone app, a Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed.

The application was filed by a city-based activist, Anil Galgali seeking details on the status of the mobile application which the MCGM has planned to introduce and which is intended to benefit citizens desiring to avail MCGM-related services.

Galgali also sought information on charges that would be levied on Mumbaikars to avail the phone-based services of the MCGM.

In response to the query, Mahesh Narvekar, Director, Information Technology cell, MCGM, stated that the mobile application can be used by all citizens, to pay various bills.

"Payment of various bills like water bills, property tax, application for renewal for shops and establishment, renewal for factory permits and complaints can be filed through the mobile application," Narvekar said.

For those paying their bills through 'net banking' will have to pay Rs 5 as fees to the civic body for transaction amount up to Rs 500 and Rs 10 if transaction amount crosses Rs 500, he said.

"Those using a debit card will (have to) pay 0.75% of the transaction amount for value up to Rs 2000 to the MCGM and 1% of the transaction amount will have to be paid for transaction amount over Rs. 2000, Narvekar added.

To avail the services, one has to download the app from MCGM website.

Galgali alleged that the MCGM was wasting public funds by appointing private contractors and handing to them the citizen facilities centres, when a mobile app is about to start.

"Appointing private contractors is a wasteful expenditure on the part of the MCGM. I have written a letter to the Chief Minister in this regard. MCGM officials in favour of appointing private contractors should be severely dealt with," he added.

Galgali claimed that the app is likely to be activated by this month-end.