States » EastPosted at: Nov 10 2026 9:48PM


Mizoram signs MoU with SBI for digital collection of village taxes

Aizawl, Nov 10 (UNI) Mizoram has signed an agreement with the State Bank of India (SBI) to introduce a digital payment system that will enable Village Councils across the state to collect taxes and other revenues online, making the process easier and more transparent.


The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the SAMARTH portal and its payment gateway was signed on Tuesday at the Minister's Office Chamber, MINECO, in the presence of Rural Development and Administration Minister Prof. Lalnilawma.


Dr Lalngura Tlau, Director of the Directorate of Local Administration, signed the agreement on behalf of the department, while Manish Uppal, Deputy General Manager, B&O, SBI Administrative Office, Silchar, represented the bank.


Speaking at the event, Lalnilawma said Mizoram had become the first state in the Northeast and
the third in the country to sign an agreement with SBI for the SAMARTH system.
He described the partnership as an example of how improved governance and technological advancement could work together.


The minister said grassroots democracy was essential for the overall development of the state and expressed hope that the new system would encourage healthy competition among Village Councils, as each council would be able to collect and retain revenue generated within its own jurisdiction.


He said the government considered strengthening the Own Source Revenue (OSR) of Village Councils a priority in its efforts to promote rural development and make local bodies financially
self-reliant.
Village Councils with good OSR performance would also be eligible for Performance Grants under the 16th Finance Commission, he added.


The minister further said strengthening the revenue base of Village Councils through SAMARTH and its payment gateway would contribute towards achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat 2047.


Under the arrangement, Village Councils will be able to collect taxes and other authorised revenues under the Mizoram Village Council Act, 2025, through the online payment gateway. Rural residents will be able to pay their dues digitally, while all transactions will be recorded on the SAMARTH portal, allowing them to be monitored and verified.


The programme was chaired by RD&AD Commissioner and Secretary R. Zarzosanga. Dr Lalngura Tlau explained the SAMARTH portal and payment gateway, while Joint Director of Local Administration S.T. Lalhmingmawia delivered the vote of thanks.


Representatives of the Rural Development and Local Administration directorates, SIRD, the All Mizoram Village Council Association and SBI officials attended the MoU signing ceremony.
UNI ZS BM
Tags: #Mizoram signs MoU with SBI for digital collection of village taxes
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