Shimla: While continuing the process to introduce innovative measures, Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab National Bank to launch Online Payment Gateway which will help thousands of applicants to pay the examination fee without any difficulty.
The MoU was signed by Mohan Chauhan, Secretary, State Public Service Commission with V.K. Goyal, Circle Head, Punjab National Bank in the presence of K.S. Tomar, Chairman, Prof. J.C. Sharma, Member of the Commission, Priyatu Mandal, Director, IT and officials of the Commission.
K.S. Tomar, Chairman while dwelling upon the details of Online Payment System said that ‘Candidates will be able to make payment through Credit/Debit Cards from VISA and MASTER CARDS of any bank thereby saving their time, money, postage, traveling, other costs etc.
He said that the new process would enhance the transparency, efficiency and candidates will receive mail/SMS after every transaction.
Tomar said that Public Service Commission had recently introduced Bar Coded Optical Mark Reader (OMR) outer sheet for conventional examinations like Himachal Administrative Services (HAS), Himachal Judicial Services (HJS), State Accounts Services (SAS) and Assistant Conservator of Forests Examination etc. which would help in maintaining complete secrecy. This would discontinue the existing system of assigning fictitious roll numbers on answer sheets and in getting rid of drudgery work along with time consuming process which was in force till now, he added. The OMR Answer Sheet was implemented in State Accounts Services Examination held in October, 2013.
Chairman said that for using Online Payment Gateway, candidates would be required to visit Commission’s website, from where they would be able to access the link ‘Online Application Filing System’. He said that first timers would be required to register themselves by clicking on ‘New Users Sign up here’ and then would have to follow the instructions in this regard. Already registered candidates would be required to use Registered User link. After following the instructions for filling up the application form, the candidates would be asked to proceed for payment options. He said that the candidates will have the option of paying their fees either through e-challan which was already in use or through e-payment option by using Online Payment Gateway.
Tomar said that candidates would be able to pay their fees through Debit or Credit Cards of any bank through Online Payment Gateway. He said that necessary instructions in this regard would be available on the website of the Commission.
V.K. Goyal, Deputy GM and Circle Head, PNB Shimla said that the Online Payment Gateway would facilitate the aspirants and they would be able to use their Debit/Credit Cards of any bank from Lok Mitra Kendra, Cyber Cafes or from any convenient place. He said that PNB will charge a nominal fee of Rs. 13.48 for each transaction.
Sanjeev Pathania, Special Secretary, Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission and officers and officials of the Commission were present on the occasion.
