Post-demonetization, rural Rajasthan is witnessing a huge jump in those using the ATM facility in point of sale (PoS) machines to withdraw cash, signaling a decisive shift to digital platform.
The number of such transaction registered a growth of over 1,700% on a daily basis. Online transactions through the digital platform, Emitra, too saw a spike of nearly 203% in rural parts since the drive began.
On November 9, the first working day after the announcement, a total of 155 consumers used PoS machines to withdraw cash. On December 5, this number stood at 2,787.
According to officials, the total number of consumers withdrawing cash from these machines could have been higher if enough liquidity was provided by banks to service providers.
Over the last two years, the Rajasthan government has distributed a total of 47,000 PoS machines across the state, mostly in villages.
Using this facility, villagers could withdraw cash as well as pay their utility bills, dues, college fees and even traffic challans.
"There is tremendous rush both in the usage of 'Emitra' portal as well as PoS machines. In the coming days, we expect more people to avail the facilities of e-platform and move towards cashless transactions," said an official from the department of information and technology (DoIT).According to the officials, Rajasthan set up the required infrastructure for cashless economy two years back but failed to capitalize on it due to lack of awareness among masses.
Emitra, developed by the state government, offers 325 digital services. However, it has become popular and received huge traffic only after demonetization was announced in November.
"In the form of PoS, we have 47,000 portable ATMs available across rural Rajasthan. Unfortunately, people are just not aware about it. Similarly, all major payments can be made through Emitra which through web, app and kiosk. Rajasthan has led in providing e-governance, but people should now adapt to new technologies," added the official.
In an event in New Delhi on Tuesday, chief minister Vasundhara Raje highlighted that Rajasthan has been offering digital services for a long time. "Rajasthan has been geared to become a cashless economy since 2006-2007. Direct benefit transfer, digital platforms have all been present. Rajasthan is on top of any state," said Raje.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Saurabh Sharma
Quelle/Source: The Times of India, 08.12.2016
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