Feb 22, 2017: Two Union Ministers flew down to Agartala to popularize cashless transaction and participated in Digi-Dhan Mela in Agartala on Tuesday. Directorate of IT Department organized the Mela after receiving a request from Niti Aayog. However, it remained unknown as to how the system will operate under vulnerable and unstable internet connectivity and frequent call drops. Addressing the gathering at Digi-Dhan Mela, Rajiv Pratap Rudi, Minister of Skill Development and Babul Supriyo, Minister of State for Heavy Industries focused on advantage of cashless system.
Digi Dhan Mela focused on switching over cashless system using mobile phones. Theoretically, both Android Phones and Feature Phones, with and without, internet facilities can be used for cashless transactions. However, the fragile tele-network coupled with unstable internet connectivity, one may wonder how the system will become operative, particularly in rural areas. BSNL and other private tele-operators, who participated in the Mela, remained silent over poor connectivity problems.“Unless Government seriously try to improve tele-communication system, Cashless transaction will fail to sustain in long run. Many times we return from banks due to ‘link failure’. We cannot even make calls and incidences of call drop is very high. Under such a situation, it is important to fix the basic issues first, then switching over to cashless system may become a viable method”, said one Science Graduate Student of MBB College.
After Knowing Tripura tops among North Eastern States in implementation of e-gov scheme, Rajiv Pratap Rudi exuded confidence and said, “I am sure Tripura will soon emerge as top ranking State in cashless transactions too”. Referring PM Narendra Modi’s vision for skill development he said, to enhance skill development among the youths of Tripura, Rs 54 crore has been allocated to expand PMKVY.Having said that only 1% of total Indian Population pays tax, Babul Supriyo said, cashless system will help to push up the GDP as in cashless transactions it will impossible for unscrupulous persons to evade tax. With increase in tax revenue, opportunities for more investment and less unemployment will be created, he said.
Around 40 stalls were put up to assist people to adopt and use cashless transaction through Mobile Phones.