JEYPORE: ‘Scan if you don’t have cash’ - the slogan is now echoing across villages in Koraput district as tribal women embrace digital tools to collect donations for Chaitra Parab, an important festival of the region.
In a striking example of grassroots digital adoption, tribal women in Narayanpatna, Kotpad, Boipariguda and Kundra blocks have begun using QR codes to raise funds for the festival which traditionally witnesses collection drives to fund religious and social activities.
Sources said this year, the practice of collecting funds has taken a modern turn with women going door to door requesting residents to scan QR codes using mobile phones. Sunita Majhi, a village group leader of Boipariguda, said what was once a purely cash-based exercise has now transitioned into a seamless digital process powered by UPI payments. The shift has made the process significantly easier.
“We visit around 50 to 60 households every day. Earlier, people often did not have cash ready. With QR scanning, payments are instant. It has simplified our work and increased participation,” she said, adding that nearly Rs 15,000 has already been collected digitally.
The new system has also brought greater accountability, with every transaction being recorded, reducing the scope for disputes. Villagers have largely welcomed the change. “Earlier, we had to arrange cash or visit banks. Now, we can simply scan and pay from home,” said Ramchandra Munda, a resident of Govindpali.
Officials said the initiative is being supported at the district level as part of efforts to promote digital literacy in rural pockets. A predominantly tribal district, Koraput has long faced cash accessibility issues. However, growing mobile penetration and improved internet connectivity are enabling residents, especially women, to adopt digital financial tools with confidence.
The initiative is now being seen as a symbol of digital transformation in rural Odisha. The district administration is considering replicating the model in other blocks.
“Tribal women of rural areas also use online transaction mode like others in urban pockets of Koraput. This is a perfect example of women empowerment,” said Ramesh Sahu, a social activist of Jeypore.