An MoU with SBI will enable village councils to collect taxes and other revenue digitally through the SAMARTH portal, strengthening local financial autonomy
Aizwal: Mizoram has taken a step towards digitising rural governance by signing an agreement with the State Bank of India (SBI) to enable Village Councils (VCs) to collect their own-source revenue (OSR) through digital payments.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Rural Development and Administration Minister Lalnilawma. RD&AD Director Lalngura Tlau represented the state government, while SBI Deputy General Manager Manish Uppal signed on behalf of the bank.
Lalnilawma said Mizoram is the first state in the Northeast and the third in India to enter into such an agreement with SBI under the SAMARTH initiative.
The digital payment facility will allow village councils to collect taxes and other revenues online, with transactions recorded and monitored through the SAMARTH portal.
The minister said improved revenue collection would help village councils become financially self-reliant and strengthen rural development. Councils demonstrating better OSR performance will also be eligible for performance grants under the 16th Finance Commission.
The initiative is backed by the Mizoram Village Council Act, 2025, which empowers village councils to collect various taxes and revenues from residents.
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