New Delhi: The MCD is planning a digital mechanism for issuing and collecting penalties for civic violations under the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026, officials said on Wednesday. The proposed mechanism may also modify the ‘MCD 311’ app along with a dedicated backend portal through which field officers can issue spot penalties after inspections and upload evidence digitally, they said.
“A discussion was held on how we can implement it. We are thinking about a digital workflow rather than a manual system, digital issuance of notices, digital collection of money and digital service of notices,” a senior MCD official told PTI.
Under the new system, field-level officers would be authorised to conduct spot inspections and impose civil penalties for violations under the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act, 1957. “If somebody does not pay, then they will have to appear before the adjudicating officer. There is also a provision to recover the amount as arrears of tax,” the official said, adding that in certain cases, properties may also be attached for recovery.
The digital push comes after the implementation of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, which decriminalises several minor municipal offences and replaces criminal prosecution with monetary penalties. In an office order issued recently, the MCD authorised officers across departments, including veterinary services, health, licensing, DEMS, engineering, advertisement and factory licensing, to function as adjudicating authorities for imposing civil penalties.
Deputy commissioners and senior departmental officials have been appointed as appellate authorities to hear appeals against such orders. Officials said one of the major reasons for weak enforcement earlier was the lack of adequate staff and resources, coupled with very low penalties for violations.
For instance, the fine for walking dogs in public places without a leash earlier stood at just Rs 50.