All Dushanbe-based government agencies are expected to use SmartPay program in their work beginning on August 1, 2023, the state-run news agency Khovar reported on July11, noting that an appropriate regulation has been signed by Dushanbe Mayor Rustam Emomali.
The decision to shift all government agencies based in Dushanbe to the non-cash payment system reportedly aims to ensure payment of all taxes, duties, fines, license and insurance fees, fees for utilities and other types of public services for implementation of the first stage of the SmartPay program.
SmartPay is an automatic payment facility available on your Cards and account to pay any of your utility bills (mobile postpaid/ telecom/ gas/ water/electricity/ DTH/ rent/ insurance etc.)
Recall, President Emomali Rahmon on June 22 signed a decree on measures to expand cashless payments in Tajikistan.
The Tajik president’s official website notes that in accordance with the decree, public services must be paid in non-cash form beginning on August 1, 2023.
“Payment of taxes, state fees for issuing permits and licenses, other mandatory payments to the budget, fines, mandatory insurance fees, healthcare services, public utilities, other types of public services, as well as acceptance of money by ministries and agencies and state-run organizations are made in non-cash,” the decree says.
The decree also notes that it is necessary to prohibit ministries, agencies, state-run organizations and financial institutions from accepting payment for paid services in cash.
The National Bank of Tajikistan, relevant ministries and agencies, state-run organizations and financial institutions are instructed to develop, organize and provide the necessary infrastructure to accept cashless payments by August 1, 2023.
It is also instructed to make their cashless payment infrastructures ready for acceptance of paid services before August 1, 2023.
To encourage physical and legal entities and provide favorable condition o offer cashless service, they are also instructed to take measures to introduce a single tariff for payment of non-cash services and develop the procedure for its payment.
Jointly with the Communications Service under the Government of Tajikistan they are instructed to take measures to provide information security of the non-cash payments.
The Communications Service is instructed jointly with the ministries and agencies providing paid services to physical and legal entities to ensure an uninterrupted connection to the Internet and its required speed as well as regular (permanent) operation of electronic payment instruments.
The Committee for TV and Radio-broadcasting under the Government of Tajikistan is instructed to carry out explanatory work on implementation of this decree with use of all mass media, including social networks.
Besides, the National Bank of Tajikistan, President’s Executive Office, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry Finance and the Communications Service are instructed to take measures to intensify work of the single portal for payment of public services.
