In a pivotal move towards modernising its administrative framework, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is launching an ambitious project to digitise its property tax records. This initiative, a decade in the making, aims to not only preserve ageing documents but also to enhance accessibility for taxpayers seeking information about their property taxes. As Ahmedabad continues to grow, this project is expected to bring significant improvements to the efficiency and transparency of the municipal tax system.

The AMC has recently invited tenders for the establishment of a comprehensive digitisation facility, which will involve scanning both historical tax records and current applications. Many of these records are in a state of deterioration, a challenge compounded by their age and the frequency of handling. According to a senior AMC official, some documents relate to ongoing disputes concerning land use and legal matters, making their preservation crucial. The digitisation effort will include the installation of high-speed scanners and computer systems across seven zonal offices, ensuring that each location is well-equipped to handle the volume of records being processed.

This digital transformation is expected to alleviate several persistent issues, such as the degradation of physical records and inefficiencies in information retrieval. By shifting to a digital format, the AMC aims to expedite access to tax-related information, reduce administrative burdens, and improve overall transparency within its tax department. “The digitisation initiative will significantly enhance the management of property tax records,” the AMC official stated, underscoring the importance of this step in modernising public service delivery. The anticipated benefits extend not only to the AMC but also to the city’s residents, who will enjoy a more streamlined process for handling tax queries and disputes.

In a proactive move to fortify transparency and protect homebuyers, the Gujarat Real Estate Regulatory Authority (GujRERA) has launched an extensive campaign aimed at curbing the rise of unregistered real estate projects. This initiative addresses the alarming trend of developments operating without the necessary RERA registration, potentially putting the interests of property investors at considerable risk. The authority’s commitment to safeguarding buyers underscores its role in a market increasingly fraught with challenges.

The central focus of GujRERA’s initiative is to educate the public on the critical importance of investing only in RERA-registered projects. By empowering citizens to recognise and report non-compliant developments, GujRERA aims to foster greater accountability and integrity within the real estate sector. Several unregistered projects have already been identified across various municipal and urban jurisdictions, prompting GujRERA to take decisive action. A senior official from the authority remarked, “Our mission extends beyond enforcement; we are dedicated to educating the public about the risks associated with unregistered projects.”

One of the key concerns raised by GujRERA involves the practice of pre-launch marketing, where developers promote projects before securing RERA registration. Such practices leave investors vulnerable, lacking the protections that come with RERA compliance. The authority’s awareness programme will highlight the importance of cautious investing and encourage homebuyers to report any pre-launch activities that circumvent RERA regulations. Notably, projects marketed without registration could face penalties of up to 10% of their project costs, reinforcing the message that compliance is not merely a formality but a crucial safeguard for buyers.