Friends bill payment facility downs its shutters in the capital

Friends Janasevana kendram, a single window bill payment facility in Thiruvananthapuram, closed after two decades of service. It provided services for various departments and agencies, introducing an easier way of paying bills. Two employees were redeployed, while two office staff were left in the lurch. It also had a police petition desk, which helped vulnerable sections. Despite its success, online payment systems and Akshaya centres led to a fall in patronage.

Friends Janasevana Kendram, the single window bill payment facility that has been functioning in the capital for two decades, downed its shutters on Friday, citing fall in patronage.

The two remaining employees were redeployed to their parent departments, while two office staff working on a temporary basis since its inception 23 years ago, have been left in the lurch.

Friends began its journey on June 25, 2000, providing services for different departments and agencies like the Motor Vehicle Department, Revenue Department, Civil Supplies Department, KSEB, KWA, Universities, Local Bodies, Electrical Inspectorate, and BSNL. For the public, it introduced an easier, ‘friendlier’ way of paying their bills.

The employees were all deployed on deputation here from various departments. There was the aim of inculcating a new work culture too, with the hope that they will take back the learnings from here to their respective departments. The success of the facility located at the Saphalyam shopping complex in Palayam led the Kerala IT Mission to replicate the model in all districts.

On Friday, Saritha, office staff at the Palayalm centre, was taken by surprise when the order came to close the centre down by the end of the day.

“We were not given any prior notice regarding the plan for closure. My husband is a daily wager. Our family, which includes our sick parents, survives on both our earnings. The IT Mission has not told us whether there will be alternate arrangements. It seems there is worth for the 23 years of service that we put in. One month’s salary is also pending now. Initially, there were 12 office staff. In addition to cleaning and other work inside the office, we also used to carry all the bills to the respective departments, before everything became online,” says Ms. Saritha.

According to former staff of the facility, demands for increase in staff that were sent over the past few years have not been considered.