In last two months, the Rajasthan government took concrete, calculated steps toward cashless economy. The initiatives taken by the government authorities made Ajmer, 26 villages in Pushkar and the Jaipur metro completely cashless.
At the stroke of midnight on November 8 2016, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a historic step. Indian currency of higher values (that is Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000) were scrapped out from the market. While the opposition slammed the ruling BJP for currency demonetisation, this move was appreciated by the citizens since it was implemented for the betterment of Indian economy.
The PM’s vision for a cashless society revolves around transparent transactions, systematic tax system and limited flow of cash to restrict black money, laundering and terrorism. Rajasthan was among the first Indian states to support the Centre in this endeavour. Raje-led BJP government in Rajasthan made the Centre’s idea of a cashless economy a reality.
The state officers put in relentless efforts to win laurels for Rajasthan. This Friday, Rajasthan’s Ajmer district was recognised as the first completely cashless district. On this occasion, the Prime Minister presented the ‘Scroll of Honour’ to Ajmer district collector Gaurav Goyal.
Seems like 2017 is a lucky year for Rajasthan that has already earned so many laurels to its name.
Ajmer District Collector Receives a National Award for Going Cashless
Gaurav Goyal, the District Collector and Commissioner of ADA (Ajmer Development Authority) received the Scroll of Honour presented by PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The PM bestowed this laurel upon Mr. Goyal for encouraging digital transactions in their district.
How did Team Rajasthan achieved the Impossible?
Mr. Goyal, who was thrilled with this accomplishment shed light on their goals and achievements. According to Goyal, after demonetisation, many local organisations and bankers came to support the government authorities in their fight against black money. It was team work, effective management and coordination that led them towards success.
The district administration encouraged local dairy booth operators and vendors to accept digital payments. Owing to the efforts put in by the locales and government officers, even the remotest rural locations like Kishangarh and Harmada became a part of the cashless system. ADA Chairman S.S. Heda took this opportunity to thank the vigilant management team for their persistent efforts.
Rajasthan Officers Set an Example for other States
According to Mr. Goyal, local authorities have activated 5 lakh RuPay cards in Ajmer. Out of these, around 3.5 lakh RuPay cards are being used in the rural areas. Since the dates of the world-popular Pushkar fair clashed with the Centre’s notebandi, Team Rajasthan co-ordinated with tourists, guides and local businesses to ensure smooth, hassle-free transaction amidst currency crunch.
Dairy booth officers, teachers, hostel wardens and Gram Sewaks were paid salaries via digital means. Earlier, the government officers were paid the insurance amount in cash. However, now, the government has made provisions to transfer the insurance money directly into their bank accounts.
It’s interesting to note that Jaipur Metro became the first cashless Metro train in the country. All nine stations have arranged facilities for PoS machines to purchase tickets.
Moreover, the education department claimed that they had gone cashless much before the demonetisation. They were already paying scholarships to students via digital means.
‘Smart Ajmer’ is the Next Big Thing on the ‘To-Do-List’
As reported by Mr. Goyal, the state officers are now working on Jaipur-Ajmer route connectivity. They’ll construct a tunnel between Ajmer and Pushkar to ensure smooth flow of traffic. Goyal encouraged district officials to arrange facilities for a smart city in making. They aim to achieve this goal in the coming 2-3 years.
Chairman Heda informed the media that Rajasthan government is braced up for momentous developments in digital services and infrastructure. Team ADA welcomes the time-bound approach of Raje government. They’ll put in insistent efforts to accomplish the high standards set by other smart cities in the country.
The future will see Ajmer in a completely different light– a new, better, cashless and smart city. Kudos to Team Rajasthan for making the state proud.
