An autorickshaw driver getting information on a mobile wallet app at an awareness meet organised for cashless transaction, at the Collectorate Auditorium in Karimnagar on Saturday | Express Photo
An autorickshaw driver getting information on a mobile wallet app at an awareness meet organised for cashless transaction, at the Collectorate Auditorium in Karimnagar on Saturday | Express Photo

Cashless economy: DRDA to provide loans for smartphones

Dist Rural Devpt Agency to partner with Srinidhi Bank to provide loans upto Rs 6K

KAMAREDDY: Soon, the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) will provide loans for buying smartphones in the district. With DRDA officials receiving communication from their higher ups that the state government has decided to make the Agency the nodal organisation to increase cashless transactions, they have decided to provide loans, in coordination with Srinidhi Bank, to buy smartphones.

“The government is committed to increase cashless transactions and technology will be updated from time to time. In this regards, people should also keep themselves abreast with the use of electronic equipment, especially smartphones. Keeping this in mind, DRDA plans to establish a centre in every village and local Community Coordinators (CC ) will provide training to the villagers in using technology,” a DRDA official said.

Regarding the implementation of the programme, DRDA has started a survey in the district to collect household phone use information, number of literate members in the family, and other essential information. Speaking to Express, District Rural Development Officer (DRDO) G Chandramohan Reddy said the ongoing survey will help increase awareness in masses on cashless transactions. After completion of the survey, the Agency will take up opening of new accounts for all those who are over 18 years of age and see that all receive debit cards.

Based on the survey data DRDA will take steps to provide smartphones on loan basis through Srinidhi bank which will sanction `6,000 to each applicant. The amount will increase based on the applicant’s economic status. The district has 22 mandals, 342 Gram Panchayats and over 2 lakh families in urban and rural areas. Through the survey accurate information will be collected from every family and this would help prepare plan to make success cashless transactions at grassroots level.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com