JAMMU, NOVEMBER 24: To push forth the vision of cashless economy through promotion of digital payments among the citizens, the Union Cabinet Secretary, Mr Pradeep Kumar Sinha Thursday held a video conference with Union Secretaries of various Ministries and State Chief Secretaries. 

Detailed deliberations were held on the steps to be taken by various departments in order to move to digital payment mode and its promotion among the citizens.

"After demonetization, this is the right moment to push to digital payments and all States and State Government departments should take necessary steps in this direction", Mr Sinha said.

It was informed that presently only 20% of the Indian economy is cashless and vision is to move to over 50% within the next couple of years. 

The Union Cabinet Secretary said the essential features of the proposal for promotion of payments through cards and digital means should include steps for withdrawal of surcharge/service charge/ convenience fee on card/ digital payments currently imposed by various Government Departments/organizations and introduction of appropriate acceptance infrastructure in Government Departments/organizations.

The Union Cabinet Secretary urged State Governments to take steps in all government departments to switch to digital payment mode and simultaneously launch vigorous awareness campaigns to popularize financial inclusion, digital payments and reduce cash transactions. 

He urged State Governments to make concerted efforts in coordination with the banking sector for shifting payment ecosystem from cash dominated to non-cash/less cash payments. He called for scaling up the seeding of Aadhaar and mobile numbers with the bank accounts of citizens. 

Mr Sinha urged State governments to start working for switching over to digital payment mode at ration/LPG outlets, petrol pumps and other public services delivery outlets. He said both big and small traders should be motivated to accept and make payments via digital means. 

The Union Secretaries and Chief Secretaries of various States briefed the Union Cabinet Secretary on the steps being taken towards 100% financial inclusion and promoting digital payment mode.