ByThe Punjab government has achieved a major milestone by collecting approximately Rs 650 billion in tax revenue through its digital platform, e-Pay Punjab. Developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) in collaboration with the Punjab Finance Department, the platform has become a cornerstone of the province’s digital transformation in public service delivery.
Since its inception, e-Pay Punjab has processed over 73.94 million transactions, offering a convenient, efficient, and transparent mechanism for citizens to pay taxes and fees. This achievement was highlighted during a progress review meeting chaired by PITB Chairman Faisal Yousaf, where the platform’s far-reaching impact on governance and service delivery was discussed.
Transforming Public Service Delivery
e-Pay Punjab enables citizens to pay 86 different types of taxes and fees associated with 18 government departments. From property taxes to traffic fines, the platform has simplified processes that once required time-consuming visits to government offices. With e-Pay Punjab, citizens can make payments directly from their homes, eliminating the need for physical presence and significantly reducing reliance on intermediaries.
Chairman Faisal Yousaf lauded the initiative, stating, “This initiative has significantly reduced the need for unnecessary visits to government offices and curtailed exploitation by middlemen while contributing substantially to the provincial exchequer.”
Boosting Provincial Revenue
The platform’s success in collecting Rs 650 billion demonstrates its efficacy in driving financial inclusion and enhancing revenue collection. By making tax payment easier and more accessible, e-Pay Punjab has encouraged compliance and brought more people into the tax net.
The transparency offered by the system has also been pivotal in minimizing corruption and ensuring that revenues are accurately recorded and utilized. By eliminating manual interventions, the platform safeguards against potential leakages in the revenue collection process, ensuring that the collected funds directly benefit the province’s development programs.
A Model for Digital Transformation
e-Pay Punjab exemplifies the potential of technology in improving governance and public services. It not only streamlines the tax payment process but also fosters trust between citizens and the government by delivering user-friendly and efficient services.
Looking ahead, the Punjab government and PITB plan to expand the platform further, integrating more departments and introducing additional services to enhance its utility. The initiative serves as a model for other provinces aiming to leverage technology for efficient governance and revenue generation.
In conclusion, e-Pay Punjab’s success is a testament to the power of innovation in transforming public services. By combining technology with a citizen-centric approach, the platform has not only facilitated tax compliance but has also strengthened the province’s financial foundation, paving the way for sustainable development.
