Chandigarh has always set high standards for other cities to follow in many aspects since the time it got established. The cleanest, the happiest and the greenest city, Chandigarh, is now all geared up to become country’s first cashless city. The initiative which is the brainchild of Punjab Governor and UT Administrator, Mr. VP Singh Badnore, has put 10th December as a deadline. Post the deadline every business and non business transaction is expected to take place using e-banking, e-wallets, credit / debit card or mobile banking.
As exciting as it may sound going cashless is a herculean task. But Chandigarh Administration has already started taking steps towards it. Here is how the enthusiastic Chandigarh treading the path.
- Major Government establishments like Municipal Corporation, Housing Board, Excise and Taxation Department as well as Sampark Centres are getting equipped to accept digital payments.
- Kisan Mandis, sector 17 market and grain market at sector 26 are also getting ready to soon do all their transaction on digital mode.
- RLA (Registration and Licensing Authority) office in Chandigarh is getting equipped to accept digital money.
- All official payments by Chandigarh Administrative employees will be made through UPI App or credit card or debit card
- Companies in the city have been urged to transfer the salaries of employees directly in their bank accounts.
- Online Transaction fees in the city will be abolished.
- Capacity building workshops are underway to train the city administration staff and make them digitally empowered.
Chandigarh is definitely showing the way and inspiring other cities to go cashless. Not far behind is the deadline set by Goa Government. Goa intends to go completely cashless by 30th December. We are sure about hearing more cities joining the bandwagon in the next few months. With such a lovely impetus India soon can look forward to joining the select set of nations whose economy is largely cashless.
