MC smart card project put on hold

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, February 24

The smart card project of the Municipal Corporation (MC), Bathinda, has been put on hold till the announcement of the Assembly poll results.

During the elections, leaders raised an objection when a company, which had been allotted the work under the project, was initiating the work in Guru Ki Nagari.

They claimed that the voters were being influenced by giving cards to them. They said the project was initiated by the government. Thereafter, the project was put on hold.

The MC has planned to give smart cards to around 70,000 land owners. These smart cards will carry details of property, property tax, water and sewerage bills of the residents. The card will also have the photograph of the property owner.

This scheme has already under scanner since its inception. Congress leaders had alleged that it was a way of looting the common man’s hard-earned money. They said if smart cards had to be issued then the authorities should first gather all revenue details of the properties.

The card should be an ownership proof of the property and a resident should be able to sell his property on its basis, they added.

Gian Chand Bansal, district president of the Swaraj Party, said the MC was already reeling under debt and it was a sheer waste of taxpayers’ money.

A senior official of the civic body has also confirmed that the project had been put on hold till the poll code is removed.