Dial *99#: Goa takes big step towards becoming 1st cashless society in India

Strongly backing the demonetisation decision, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar recently said Goa is on its way to become India's first cashless society.

Panaji, Nov 29: Come December 31, Goa will earn the distinction of being the first state in India to become cashless.

The state machinery is working overtime so that the residents of the state can buy their daily essentials, including perishables like fish, meat and vegetables, at the press of a button.

Explaining how the system will work, chief secretary of the state RK Srivastava, told Times of India, "One has to dial *99# from their mobile phone, not necessarily a smart phone, and follow the instructions to complete the transcation. This system is being introduced to transfer money to small vendors who do not have swipe machines. Swiping of ATM and credit cards at shops and establishments will also continue."

"The money on purchases will be debited to the person's bank account," he added.

In the wake of the demonetisation of high-value currency notes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet colleagues are promoting the idea of cashless or lesscash society.

As a part of the cashless or lesscash society, PM Modi has asked everyone to use e-banking or mobile banking as an alternative to cash, the most popular form of transaction across the country.

Strongly backing the demonetisation decision, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar recently said Goa is on its way to become India's first cashless society.

"Goans are using cards (ATM/credit) in a big way. Goa will soon be the first state with cashless society fulfilling a dream of the Prime Minister," Parrikar said.

A smartphone can be turned into a bank by using an app called Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Parrikar explained.

The State Government will organise camps to educate people about this application, he said.

"We will also train BJP workers who will educate masses about this facility. This will allow people to move around without carrying cash," the Minister said.

OneIndia News