TFP Bureau, Raipur,May 13, 2025: In a groundbreaking move towards digital governance, Raigarh district has become the first in Chhattisgarh to implement UPI-based tax collection across all its 549 gram panchayats. Villagers can now conveniently pay property tax, market fees, water tax, and sanitation tax directly from their mobile phones, marking a significant leap toward a paperless and efficient rural administration.
This digital payment initiative has brought transparency to the tax collection system, leading to a notable increase in revenue for the panchayats. As part of the digital transformation, UPI QR codes have been installed in panchayat buildings and key public spaces, allowing residents to pay taxes from the comfort of their homes.
Raigarh’s initiative has had a profound impact on tax collection. According to a presentation by the then Collector Shri Kartikeya Goyal at the Prime Minister’s Award screening committee in March 2025, UPI-based tax payments have increased tax collection by 117% compared to the previous year. Many panchayats have seen their tax revenue more than double, as the digital system has simplified the payment process and attracted more participation from the villagers.
A particularly noteworthy achievement is the adoption of digital payments by 330 PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) Birhor families, which marks a significant step in promoting digital inclusion. The UPI system has also led to a 57% increase in attendance at gram sabhas, as villagers show growing interest and engagement in panchayat affairs.
The digital payment initiative has also boosted the financial transactions of women’s self-help groups and BC Sakhis, with total transactions growing from ₹39.69 crore in 2022-23 to ₹46.50 crore by February 2025.
The move to UPI payments has streamlined the financial processes of the gram panchayats, making account maintenance, audits, and cash ledger reconciliation more efficient and transparent. This digital revolution has not only transformed the financial landscape but also set a precedent for other districts in Chhattisgarh.
Shri Jitendra Yadav, CEO of the District Panchayat, highlighted that under the guidance of Finance Minister Shri OP Choudhary and former Collector Shri Goyal, the initiative has garnered widespread success. With the current leadership of Collector Shri Mayank Chaturvedi, the district is working toward achieving 100% digital tax collection in all gram panchayats.
