Nearly 12,000 taxpayers deposited about Rs 13 crore in coffers of Jabalpur Municipal Corporation (JMC) as property tax, water tax and other municipal dues during National Lok Adalat held at JMC headquarters and all 16 divisional offices, on Saturday. A unique and positive scene was witnessed at the divisional offices during the Lok Adalat, where civic officials interacted directly with citizens who had come to pay their taxes.

 

Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh and Municipal Commissioner Ramprakash Ahirwar visited various divisional offices and personally interacted with taxpayers. Instead of a formal welcome, citizens were greeted with warmth and assistance as senior officials enquired about their convenience and facilities available at the offices. In a gesture that drew appreciation from citizens, the Mayor himself served tea and water to people standing in queues to deposit their taxes. Amid the scorching heat and long lines, the Mayor’s personal interaction with citizen. At the same time, he also set an example by following the rules as an ordinary citizen.

 

At the Divisional Office No. 4 near Chhoti Line Phatak, he stood in the queue and paid the property tax for his own house without availing any special or VIP facility. The move conveyed the message that rules and procedures are the same for every citizen. During the visit, the mayor also sought people’s feedback on the arrangements made by the Municipal Corporation. Citizens appreciated the facilities and the initiative taken by civic body to make the process more convenient during the Lok Adalat.