ITANAGAR, Jan 20: Arunachal Pradesh on Friday took a historic step to go cashless with the formal inauguration of “Digi Dhan Mela” at Indira Gandhi Park here in tune with the Centre’s programme of “100 cities 100 melas” for a cashless economy.
The Digi Dhan Mela aims at helping the people in downloading, installing and using various digital payment tools to facilitate digital transactions.
Addressing a mammoth gathering at the event ground, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju called upon one and all to join the digitization movement and strengthen the efforts of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s revolutionary step.
Claiming that over Rs 40,000 crore was deposited in ‘Jan Dhan’ accounts across the country post-demonetisation, Raju said no rich man contributes to the nation but only the poor through their hard earned money.
“Quality of life needs to be improved and for this we need to contribute as well,” he said.
He said unlike the previous regime, now Indian citizens with Aadhaar card could open a bank account without any hassle.
“Digital transaction has made life easy for the people.
Your pocket can be picked, phones can be lost but not your thumb through which you can easily make cashless transactions,” he added.
Terming demonetisation as a revolutionary step taken by Prime Minister Modi to curb black money and crackdown on terror activities, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju claimed printing of fake currency across the border stopped abruptly post November 8.
“We will have to be prepared for the change which the Prime Minister is attempting,” Rijiju said at the ‘Digi Dhan Mela’.
He said it was the duty of every Indian to support Prime Minister Nardendra Modi in his crusade against black money and terrorism for development of the country.
He said in Arunachal Pradesh efforts should be made to implement digital transaction in all villages as soon as possible.
Lashing out at the opposition for alleging that Modi’s decision for cashless transaction was made in a hurry as the people of the country were not prepared, Rijiju said for development of the country people need the change.
“How will the country with 130 crore population develop if black money is kept concealed?
Even in the 21st century, many villages in the country have no proper road communication which is the greatest tragedy for India,” he said, asserting that the Prime Minister’s dream is for equal development across the country.
He said with the introduction of cashless transaction there would be some problems initially but people have to accept it to make their lives comfortable in the coming days.
“We have no time to stay behind developed nations in this digital era for which the Prime Minister has introduced cashless transaction to cope with the changing economy,” he said, adding that India is a big country and it would take time to make things better.
Rijiju also appealed to all legislators to cooperate with Chief Minister Pema Khandu to make Arunachal Pradesh a vibrant state.
Earlier, both the Union Ministers lighted the ceremonial lamp and released colourful balloons to mark the formal inauguration of the Digi Dhan Mela. Raju also inaugurated the exhibition stalls put up by various nationalized banks, departments and other merchants and entrepreneurs.
Earlier, Veterinary & Animal Husbandary and Art & Culture Minister Dr Mohesh Chai conveyed the message of the Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who could not attend the programme. The message stated that the state of Arunachal Pradesh would leave no stone unturned to be a front runner in the programme launched by the PM and the government would endeavor to go cashless.
Niti Ayog Advisor, Jitendra Shah spoke on the digital economy programme of the GoI, informing that the “Digi Dhan Mela” here has been organized as a part of “100 cities, 100 melas” programme of the government to achieve the target.
Stating that the digital society is necessary for a healthy society and nation, he appealed one and all to adopt digital economy, besides motivating others to do so.
Chief Secretary Shakuntala Gamlin highlighted on the Digi Dhan Mela and urged all stakeholders to work towards connecting all uncovered areas to bring about a digital economy in state.
Secretary IT, Sonam Chombey termed the moment as “a big step towards being digitally smarter”.
Representative from SBI spoke on digital products of SBI which enable people to access digital transaction, while Licha Birbal, a Champion entrepreneur, who runs a CSC spoke on how he created financial awareness and made his village cashless.
Later, a friendly football match between CM XI and Arunachal Press Club was played at Bn. Ground Chimpu.
Other highlights of the day included exhibitions by banks, departments and other entrepreneurs, free medical camp, enrolment of Aadhar card, free WiFi facility, opening of bank accounts on spot and link it to adhar number, besides various competitions on cash less transaction on poster, jingle, slogan etc and performances by artist like Thupten Tsering, Indian Idol participant and music bands including the Brooks etc . DIPR/PTI

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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