In a first, Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will soon launch a software-based system for collecting and managing rents of its shops and building complexes.
Rent collection of GCDA has been a mess over these years and according to some of the officials, there is a huge amount of money to be received as rent arrears.
Moreover, sometimes, due to clerical mistakes, there is confusion over calculating arrears. By digitizing everything the GCDA aims to make the rent collection process smoother and hassle-free.
The software division of South Indian Bank is associating with GCDA for the project. Once it is implemented, GCDA will be able to easily manage the allocation and renting-out of its shops, and create a database of its rent management using the software. Also, it will be easier to track the details of those shops, which are vacant and rented, its lease-out history, rent details, etc.
According to a submission made by LSGD minister M B Rajesh during the previous session of Kerala legislative assembly, the rent arrears of GCDA amounted to nearly Rs 7 crore. Similarly, the details of the number of shops allocated or not in various shopping complexes and stadiums of GCDA too were submitted by the minister.
However, some of the GCDA officials said that the figures were not reportedly updated as the arrear amount was much lesser and there were many shops which have been rented out recently, which hinted at the lack of a proper record and management of the assets by the authorities.
“It is the first time a local body in the state is attempting to digitize the rent collection and management system. Lessees will be intimated about the rent payment date in advance through SMS, and if they fail to make the payment frequent reminders will be sent. The officials will be able to closely monitor all these and take timely action if any dues are there. The system will be a model to all civic bodies in the state,” said a GCDA official.