At the outset, it gives me immense pleasure to write this note to thank you for my recent experience with SOAFT.

I received Govt. sanction for my visits to Czech Republic and Portugal to attend conferences. The entire process took nearly one month for each application. Also the online process of application is very simple and user friendly. I appreciate higher education department for this new initiative.

Dr. V. B. Kiran Kumar
Assistant Professor,Department of Mathematics
Cochin University of Science And Technology

I express my deep sense of gratitude for the speedy processing of SOAFT software system. I also appreciate the initiative by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Kerala in introducing such a system. The new online system is very much useful and it ensures quick processing. I express my sincere thanks to The Principal Secretary, Nodal officer, Technical officer of SOAFT software, B section of Higher Education, The Government machinery and the whole team for implementing this system.

Dr. Annie Abraham
Professor of Biochemistry & Director of Research
University of Kerala

I express my sincere gratitude for launching 'SOAFT '(System for Online Application for Foreign Travel) initiative by the Department of Higher Education, Government of Kerala. I have uploaded my application on 11.03.2019 and I received the approval letter today (27.03.2019). The entire application processing completed within 17 days. Thanks to the Minister of Higher Education, Principal Secretary and the team of Higher Education Department for this very useful initiative. Hope we will have more such online platforms available in future as part of e- governance initiatives in higher education.

Dr. Zubair. M
Assistant Professor
Calicut University

I must admit that I was a bit sceptic when I tried to apply for the government permission for my recent foreign trip through the SOAFT. I could not believe my eyes to see the entire process from application to the issue of government order took only seven days, not even seven working days!

I am sure that the new efforts are part of the initiatives to make the government system more transparent, effective and timely. This would help the academic sector immensely as at present a lot of time and energy are spent in the administrative and processing delays. I am also glad to see the mutual respect and appreciation towards the academic community from the higher education department. I hope the present system would evolve into an integrated e-governance system that would also help academic institutions to manage the academic management along with the administrative functions.

I place on record my gratitude to the entire team for their relentless efforts in simplifying the processes.

Dr. Jijo P. Ulahannan
Assistant Professor in Department of Physics
Government College, Vidyanagar, Kasaragod 671123

At the outset, it gives me immense pleasure to write this note to thank you for my recent experience with SOAFT. As I am the first person on deputation (under QIP) to apply through SOAFT, there were few minor hiccups initially, but the team who were anchoring this system was so prompt and supportive in bringing out the necessary modifications/additions quickly. I really appreciate the Higher Education Department for such a splendid initiative, and the SOAFT team for developing this simple (user-friendly), quick and transparent system with regular SMS updates.

What really astonished me is the enormous speed of processing. I received the G.O on the fourth day of my online submission. I feel like this is analogous to a sudden transition from the stage/speed of a normal train to that of a bullet train. With no doubt, I can say that SOAFT has tremendously improved the processing time in addition to the ease of usage and transparency. I believe the team has been conscientious to develop such a brilliant system in a short span of time. My heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the entire team. I trust that these changes are going to streamline the system, enable everyone to work at a higher order of efficiency and effectiveness.

Looking forward to have similar online platforms for processing CAS, Promotions, and Transfers to build speed, accuracy, and transparency to the system.

I place on record my best wishes to the entire team for their relentless efforts in simplifying the process which is worth pursuing in the days to come.

BIJU.I.K
Asst. Professor in Mechanical Engg,
Govt. Engineering College, Thrissur.

System For Online Application For Foreign Travel (SOAFT), developed by Higher Education Department, Govt. of Kerala is really a boon to Academics, who wish to travel abroad. I was amazed to get a call from the SOAFT team member, just half an hour after I submitted my application. The officer who called me was very cordial and answered my queries with patience. The SOAFT team was in touch with me through SMS to inform me about the status of my application. It was really a surprise for me when a member of the team called me to say that my application was approved. I got the approval for my foreign travel within a short span of 6 days...just 6 days...
Kudos to Govt. of Kerala, for such a noval idea. It is testimonial to the determination of Higher Education Department to reap the benefits of e-governance. A hassle free system is in place to obtain clearance from Govt. of Kerala for the foreign travel of Academics. This will persuade more number of Academics from Kerala to participate in International conferences / workshops / Exhibitions organised in foreign countries, as SOAFT is capable of processing the application for foreign travel in a time bound manner. I will surely recommend my colleagues and friends to make use of SOAFT. Special thanks and congratulations to the members of SOAFT team and Higher Education Department for such an initiative.

Prof. (Dr.) Santhosh. P. Thampi
Member, Syndicate, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam

Thanks to e-governance, thanks to Government of Kerala and special thanks to the entire team of Higher Education Department for having materialized a long cherished demand of Academicians in our state through the implementation of SOAFT.  With minimum time ( in my case within 20 days) and with a single document ( NOC from employer), a college/university teacher is able to get clearance  from Government of Kerala for foreign travel related to academic purpose.  This is really a great initiative of  Government of Kerala implemented through the Higher Education Department.  Foreign Collaboration and interaction with foreign faculty will go a long way in the pursuit of academic excellence.  Ofcourse SOAFT is a right step which will motivate College and University teachers for having more interaction with foreign faculty.  Above all, this SOAFT has proved that for increasing efficiency in government service, no need of privatization, it is possible through digitalization and committed employees.  Once again thanks to the whole team of Higher Education Department for their whole hearted efforts in this direction. 

Dr. G.Raju
Professor, Head and Dean of Commerce
University of Kerala