Shillong, January 12: Sensitization on Digital India Campaign was organized by Deputy Commissioner’s office and District Planning Office today at DRDA Conference Hall, West Garo Hills, Tura in collaboration with National Informatics Centre (NIC), Shillong. This is first of such programme to be held in the state of Meghalaya. Heads of all departments in the district, officials of different banks and stakeholders were present at the awareness programme.
In his opening remark the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Pravin Bakshi informed that the recent demonetization announced by the central government has necessitated sensitizing the people of the region adding that one of the important priorities of the government is to promote opening of new accounts especially for those who do not have accounts in the banks. Moreover, he mentioned that this step towards cashless transaction would reduce the difficulties faced for handling cash transaction of big amounts and which can easily be transferred directly to concerned persons bank account.
Urging the people to cooperate in a leap forward towards a cashless economy by the government of India Mr. Bakshi requested all heads of line departments in the district to direct their staff both regular and casual to have bank accounts since digital payment will be the only mode of payment in the near future.
Technical Director, National Informatics Centre, Meghalaya Shillong, Benos Lyngskor in his power point presentation, highlighted the background, objectives, digital payment framework and short term and long term benefits of cashless economy while informing the measures taken up by the government of India to promote a cashless economy through digital payments where NIC will act as a change agent. “This sensitization aims to enable citizens to access and use electronic payment system (EPS) including merchants in the rural areas”, he added. He also informed that cashless transactions would include official receipts and payments including purchase of costlier items like vehicles, durables and purchase of daily items like groceries and medicines.
Mr. Lyngskor explained about the different modes of digital payments provided by banks of which using debit, credit and pre-paid cards are common among the people and others like Rupay, e-Wallet, Aadhaar enabled payment system, etc. Further, he cautioned the people not to share password or PIN code with others and also not to accept offers for free caller tunes, etc which are different ways to cheat people by hackers.
