Cut and keep

From filing an FIR to completing an RTI application, these websites help you finish tedious tasks easily.

We’ve all been through it. Delays, the necessity to return to the office to get a simple job done, a huge list of must-have forms and no one knowing how the process works. That’s what dealing with ‘babus’ involves. But now, websites are offering people an escape route from passport renewal, change of address on government forms and even filing FIRs at the police station. They either run these errands for you at a price or guide you through the procedures.

HT Image

“We provide assistance for government formalities. Not many know about the service, but we hope the numbers will grow,” says Bharat Ahirwar, founder of atyourservicemumbai.in. On offer is help for procedures like change of name or address on official forms like your ration card, help in procuring PAN cards or passports and online filing of forms. Guidance is also given on how to approach government agencies like the BMC and on filing FIRs at police stations. Subscribers can sign up for their monthly package or be part of their daily requests scheme. “We charge on the basis of the task and a quotation is sent via email. So you have the right to refuse.”

Chachii.com also offers help with government paperwork. “The one problem we face regularly in Mumbai is disorganised labour. So we thought that technology could be used to solve this problem,” says Tanvi Surti, who started the website with partner Nikhil Goel and three other members. What’s more, all the service providers come with a background check, references and experience, and at a price decided by you.

And if you are looking for experts, there are websites for that too. RTI Nation specialises in helping people file an RTI online in minutes. You can find out what’s causing a passport / provident fund / income tax delay and even crack corruption. Others like myitreturn.com and easyitfiling.com can circumvent the chartered accountant and guide you through the taxation process. “Technology can make life easier. You just have to know where to look,” says Suraj Singh, who recently filed his tax returns using My IT Return. Go on, get the job done.