The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has unveiled plans to install QR codes on every house in the city, marking a significant shift towards digital governance. This innovative system aims to revolutionise how the civic body collects and manages data on essential services like health, education, drainage and water supply.
The QR code initiative will enable SMC field staff to gather precise, current information from each household in Surat. The collected data will encompass everything from residents’ health assessments to the status of municipal services including sanitation, water, drainage and street lighting. This comprehensive data analysis will help the SMC make informed decisions to enhance city services.
Budget allocation and implementation
In announcing the draft budget for 2025-26 on Wednesday, SMC Commissioner Shalini Agarwal outlined the QR code project’s scope. She pointed out the limitations of the current system, where field staff manually collect health data every 20 days and property valuations once every four years—a process prone to inaccuracies and irregularities.
Modern solution for better governance
“This modern technology will allow us to gather accurate, up-to-date information, thus improving the quality of services provided to the residents,” Commissioner Agarwal explained. The new system promises to streamline data collection and ensure reliability.
Digital infrastructure rollout
Each residence will receive a unique QR code linked to its geographical location and existing SMC records. The corporation will install QR code plates on all houses, enabling field staff to upload data through a mobile app. This comprehensive database will include details about property valuation, utilities and municipal services, helping create a more responsive and citizen-centric administration.