In an effort to make public service efficient through the use of technology, most of the public offices have made their services accessible online. However, not every online system is bringing about the expected benefits to its users. For instance, the Department of Forests and Park Services’ online service to obtain forestry permits and clearances seems to be creating inconvenience for its users. Some people working in the construction sector said accessing the services using the online portal is time-consuming and inconvenient at the same time.
The Forest and Park Services department’s ‘Online Forestry Services’ provides numerous services such as timber permits, fishing permits, import and export permits of non-wood forest produce collection, and clearance for research applications. The department launched the online system in July last year to make getting forestry permits and clearances faster and easier for the people.
However, obtaining permits and making payments using the online portal is found to be a hassle, especially for people working in the construction sector.
“Where there is no NRDCL site, mainly in far-flung areas, be it gravel or stone, we have to pay Nu 50 for each trip as royalty. Then after getting approval we have to generate OTP for each trip. So, when we have to make payments for about thirty to fifty trips it takes around two to three hours. It is inconvenient in places without good internet connection,” said a user.
“In the past, we could pay royalties by visiting Forests’ offices. But they stopped accepting payments in their offices after making the service available online. At the NRDCL, we can make payments in bulk for raw materials. But with the forest office, we have to pay separately for each trip which is trouble when we have to make like hundred trips, especially when there is no internet connection. Moreover, sometimes the mBOB doesn’t work so we cannot make the payment even for a day,” said another user.
Meanwhile, the Department of Forests and Park Services said they have not received any complaints regarding the matter.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Phub Gyem
