The StateTransport Authority (STA) is all set to start an e-collection facility enabling collections for various permits, performed manually at present, to be carried out online. The facility has been conceptualised to minimise the problems faced by applicants as well as the STA in manual collection.

The processing of permits including national permits for trucks, stage carriage permits for CTU buses and all India permits for private buses is done manually at the STA office. Under the new scheme, the applicants seeking permits would be able to make the payments at the various e-sampark centres set up under the scheme.

“The scheme would function in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed with a private agency for the facility, which will soon be launched in Chandigarh,” STA Secretary Vandana Disodia said.

The State Bank of India has been finalised for a tie-up the scheme. It is already operational in states like Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Repeated delays were reported in the manual payments due to issues like expiry of drafts deposited by the applicants. With the introduction of this facility, the treasury reconciliation would be done immediately,” added Disodia.

The applicants seem pleased with the STA’s initiation of e-payment. Since the STA office had been receiving complaints over wastage of time at the STA office for permit fee deposits.

“With the introduction of e-payment, one will be able to apply for the permit without facing inconvenience. Also, there would be no delay in receiving the permits as reconciliation would be done instantaneously. At present, for the payment of a fee of Rs 3,000 for national permit, a lot of time is wasted in getting a draft made from the bank and then depositing it with the STA office,” said a city-based transport agent.