In a step ahead to achieve the government’s dream of a cashless society in the country, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has unveiled slew of incentives that include discounts for payments made digitally for fuel, insurance, toll and rail travel. The move follows a month after government demonetized Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes in order to curb corruption.
Announcing 11 decisions to promote digital transaction, Jaitley said that a discount of 0.75% will be offered for those who purchase petrol and diesel through digital mode. Moreover, public sector insurance companies, general and life insurance, will provide 10% and 8% discount for buying new policy or paying premium online via PSUs websites.
He also stated that monthly and seasonal suburban railway tickets purchased through digital mode will get 0.5% discount from January 1. He added that those who make online payment for railway tickets will be given free accident claim insurance worth Rs 10 lakh. In addition, those using digital mode to pay for railway catering, accommodation, retiring room will be entitled to discount of 5 per cent.
The minister further said that those who use RFID cards and fast tags can get a discount of 10% at toll plazas on national highways. Jaitley also said that public dealings with government departments and PSUs through digital mode will be free of transaction fee and MDR charges. Also credit/debit card transactions up to Rs 2,000 will be exempt from service tax.
To expand the digital payment infrastructure in rural areas, the Centre through NABARD will extend financial support to eligible banks for deploying two POS (point of sale) devices free of cost each in 1 lakh villages with population of less than 10,000.
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