e-sops for cashless deals planned

​Hyderabad: Emulating the Union Finance Ministry which has come out with a slew of incentives to push cashless transactions a month after demonetisation,

the Telangana State Government is also contemplating to offer incentives both to the consumers and the traders who opt for cashless transactions.

The incentives vary from tax concessions, prize money to lucky winners and gifts. Top sources in the government told The Hans India that the proposals include incentives to those who buy RTC tickets, pay power bills,

water bills, property taxes, bills at restaurants, grocery shops and showrooms using net banking or debit, credit cards or the proposed TS wallet.

As far as the traders are concerned, incentives like waiver of service charges on digital payments is under consideration.

The government may also announce best trader award for those who switch over to about 80 per cent of digital transactions in all districts every month.

It may be mentioned here that the Centre had recently announced that petrol and diesel would be cheaper by 0.75 per cent for those who make the payment through digital mode.

Five per cent discount on monthly seasonal tickets in suburban railway networks, insurance cover worth Rs 10 lakh for those who book railway tickets through digital mode and 5 per cent discount on railway facilities like catering and retiring rooms.

The sources further said that taking a leaf from this, all the district collectors have been asked to hold meetings with traders associations and seek their suggestion in regard to the steps that need to be taken to switch over to digital economy.

The finance department which has been entrusted with the responsibility of preparing the draft proposals would also seek the opinion of the consumer forums before finalising the proposals.

The proposals will be submitted to the cabinet subcommittee by end of December or first week of January at the latest, the sources added.