Digital payment is the new way of life. In an effort to make government transactions go digital in Assam, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal directed its departments to make all payments and receipts digitally in a time bound manner.
The chief minister discussed with representatives of RBI, all major bankers, BSNL and important departments of the government on various measures to be adopted for digital payment in the state in a meeting held at Brahmaputra state guest house on November 27.
In tandem with the chief minister’s directive, it was decided in the meeting that the departments will examine the possibility of amending relevant Acts and rules so that it enables digital payment such as availability of PoS machine etc. could be made compulsory. The departments will also explore the possible incentives for digital payments and disincentives for cash payments.
Non-governmental entities like private hospitals, educational institutions, shops and establishments will be issued necessary advisory by the concerned departments so that digital payments become a norm within a fixed time-frame.
Further to ensure smooth digital transaction, the chief minister directed BSNL and the IT department to work on the shadow areas and address the issue in a time bound manner.
The chief minister also instructed banks and concerned departments to carry out sensitization drive for representatives of gaon panchayats and urban local bodies about the advantages of digital payment in a mission mode through a committee at the district level under the chairmanship of deputy commissioners in addition to DCC and DLCC mechanism.
The state government, in coordination with banks and all stakeholders, will also initiate a mission mode campaign including social media intensively so that the common citizens participate in the process of digital payment easily and effectively.
The push for digital payments comes at a time when the country is facing cash crunch due to demonetization.
