Fast Facts
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Restoration Initiative: Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) plans to restore defunct digital kiosks to enhance city services and provide essential information to residents.
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Investment and Concerns: BSCL invested ₹8 crore in installing 75 smart kiosks; however, maintenance issues have rendered many non-functional, prompting public criticism over wasted taxpayer funds.
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Diverse Service Offerings: The kiosks offer a variety of services, including online tax payments and booking facilities, but currently, out of 25 outdoor kiosks, 15 are non-operational.
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Government Commitment: Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra assured the assembly that repair work would begin soon, emphasizing the kiosks’ unique contributions as part of the smart city initiative.
Bhubaneswar to Revive Smart Digital Kiosks
Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) plans to restore its smart digital kiosks. These kiosks, installed in various locations, aimed to enhance public services. Unfortunately, many kiosks fell into disrepair due to a lack of maintenance. BSCL allocated Rs 8 crore for this project, which included both indoor and outdoor kiosks. Currently, most of these kiosks, including those near popular areas like Pathani Samanta Planetarium, have stopped functioning.
However, housing and urban development minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra recently announced positive developments regarding the kiosks. During an assembly session, he highlighted that the BSCL installed a total of 75 kiosks across the city. About 50 are in ward offices, while 25 are strategically placed outdoors. Yet, 15 outdoor kiosks remain defunct. The minister stated that repair work will begin soon, addressing residents’ concerns about wasting taxpayers’ money.
Enhanced Public Services Ahead
The kiosks are designed to improve residents’ quality of life by providing vital services. They facilitate online payment for holding tax, trade licenses, and marriage certificates, among others. Moreover, they also offer charging facilities and SOS services, making them valuable community assets. Local resident Sritam Lenka expressed strong support for the kiosks’ revival, emphasizing their unique role in the smart city mission. The planned repairs signal a commitment to utilizing technology for improved public services in Bhubaneswar.
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