ASK Pune Gets ISO Certification
WE reported about ASK Income Tax in 25 04 2005, Sevottam in 14.11.2007 and TIOL-DDT 1253 08.12.2009.
AAYAKAR Seva Kendra (ASK) is a one stop computerized shop for the taxpayers to obtain services promised by the Department in its Citizens' Charter in a time bound manner. In order to achieve these objectives, Sevottam provides for a front office to be backed by re-engineered processes and a new outlook of the personnel so that grievances of taxpayers are not only redressed quickly but also eventually prevented.
The first ASK was inaugurated in Pune on 18.05.2009 by Mr. S.S.N. Moorthy, Chairman, CBDT. Then an ASK was inaugurated in Kochi on 14.11.2009 by Mr. P.V. Bhide, Revenue Secretary. The latest ASK was inaugurated at Chandigarh on 2.12.2009 by Mr. Durgesh Shankar, Member (R), CBDT.
Now, CBDT (and the IT Department) have received a certification under IS 15700:2005 from the Bureau of Indian Standards for excellence in public delivery system after audit of the Directorate of Organisation and Management Services (DOMS), the nodal agency for implementation of Sevottam scheme and the Aayakar Sewa Kendra (ASK) unit at Pune.
IS 15700:2005 requires a public service organization to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide effective and efficient service that meets customer and applicable legal, statutory and regulatory requirements. It aims to enhance customer satisfaction and to continually improve its service and service delivery process.
This certification signifies changing face of the department, from an exclusively enforcement agency of the government to a service-oriented and citizens-centric organization.
Good Work CBDT. We hope that the other two ASKs also get the ISO certification at the earliest and more ASKs are established across the country for the benefit of taxpayers. Now where does this leave CBEC and its much publicised ACES?