CSMC bets big on AI to boost revenue and transform citizen services

Rafique Aziz

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

The Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) is planning a wide rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to become more citizen-friendly, improve service delivery, and strengthen financial sustainability. CSMC plans to expand the AI-driven initiatives further on a large scale during 2026–27.

Municipal Commissioner G. Sreekanth has earmarked over Rs 1 crore in the budget to implement AI-driven solutions, particularly to enhance property tax collection and streamline administrative processes. These systems will help maintain detailed records of residential, semi-residential, and commercial properties along with water connections. AI will also assist in identifying tax defaulters, improving revenue recovery, detecting discrepancies, and enabling faster, more transparent decision-making.

In the healthcare sector, CSMC plans to introduce AI-enabled ECG machines and bone density testing equipment across six health centres. Besides, there are proposals to introduce AI and robotics education initiatives.

Deputy Commissioner (Property and Water Taxes) Vikas Navale highlighted the use of tools such as a WhatsApp chatbot, GIS-based property mapping with real-time updates, and the Shreemitra App for tax staff. These tools help locate properties, display ownership and tax details, identify pending dues, and issue online notices. AI integration has already simplified processes like e-payments and improved efficiency.

Project Manager (Smart City) Syed Faiz Ali noted that AI is enabling better service delivery through real-time responses, improved revenue collection, reduced manual effort, and enhanced transparency.

Key AI Initiatives by ASCDCL and CSMC:

AI-Mitra Chatbot: A multilingual digital assistant offering 24/7 support for bill payments, tax-related queries, and complaint registration.

Endobot: Uses robotic crawlers and an AI dashboard to detect pipeline issues and illegal connections; includes Bandicoot robots for safe, mechanized sewer cleaning.

Hajeri System: A digital workforce management solution with facial recognition, geo-fencing, and anti-spoofing features to track attendance and manage shifts and leave.

Saksham: A platform that simplifies access to government benefits for differently-abled citizens through secure digital verification.

Fleet Management System: Provides vehicle-related data such as fuel usage, maintenance records, pollution certificates, and insurance details via a conversational interface.

Property Tax Chatbot & Analytics: Assists with tax queries, tracks dues, identifies defaulters, detects unassessed properties, and analyses feedback to improve performance.

Document Validation System: Used in schemes like PMAY to verify documents, detect duplicates or errors, and ensure fair beneficiary selection.