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Karnataka govt pilots m-Gov project with Tata Tele

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Chokkapan
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BANGALORE, INDIA: Heralding the launch of m-Governance in the state, Karnataka government has joined hands with Tata Teleservices and MMP Mobi Wallet Systems Ltd (MMPL), the mobile payments arm of Tata Teleservices Ltd, and has started a m-Governance pilot project.

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An MoU commissioning the project was signed in Bangalore on Thursday between the two parties.

In this project, MMPL would enable the government in taking the mode of payments by residents beyond credit cards, through the use of mRupee, a prepaid wallet service, using which any mobile customer can register for this wallet and then load it with cash at designated mRupee retail outlets, said a release.

They can then use this wallet balance to pay for mGovernance services like electricity bill, property tax, water bill and traffic challan from the convenience of their home or anywhere, anytime. Tata Teleservices also provides USSD connectivity for the residents to access the services.

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Announcing the launch of the service, Deepak Gulati, executive president, Tata Teleservices Ltd., said, "Karnataka is a pioneer in the use of ICTs in making government services available to residents. Together, we have taken a significant step in providing valuable services to residents, which can be accessed through any mobile phone."

On the occasion, I.S.N. Prasad, principal secretary, Government of Karnataka, said, "The e-Governance department has taken up this m-Governance initiative. At the launch of this Phase 1, services would be enabled across multiple access channels like USSD, voice and mobile Web to cover the entire range of phones, from a basic to an advanced smartphone. It allows us to enable payments over a prepaid mobile wallet, apart from the other traditional payment instruments, which is vital in ensuring a wide adoption of the service."

The mRupee service, the release stated, will start in Bangalore in Phase 1, followed by a phased launch across the rest of Karnataka. To enroll for the mRupee services, residents need to contact any mRupee agent in the city and complete a one-time registration process, load the money in their account, and then, they are ready to go.

Then, customers need to generate a One-Time Password (OTP) by dialing 0922225111 or 51111 (for Tata DoCoMo Customers) that would enable them to pay for mGovernance services, added the release.

The service is a very simple and safe process. Also, one can pay other bills like Tata DoCoMo postpaid bills and prepaid recharges, or transfer money to another mRupee user or any bank account in India, availing this service.

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