Port Blair, Feb 25: Improvement of public service in the UT has always been the main focus area of the Administration for which many proactive steps have been taken. It was observed that for urgent/immediate requirement of cash by the general public availing the services of Motor Vehicle Department/other services, they were required to travel to avail the ATM facility. To resolve their problems, a SBI ATM Outlet was established in the premises of Transport Department and inaugurated on 05.09.2018.

Now, taking that forward and keeping in mind the Govt of India’s “Cashless India” programme the department has introduced new POS (point-of-sale) devices for payments with Debit/Credit cards. A facility to make UPI payment (Google pay, Paytm, Phonepe, BHIM etc) by scanning the QR code is also available in this device. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Prateek Raj Yadav, Director of Transport in the State Transport Main office, Port Blair on 24.02.2021 in the presence of all employees and public in a simple function.

This facility will benefit the public greatly by eliminating the need to carry cash and direct cash transaction between the citizen and employees. It will also put an end to crowded ATMs during COVID 19 pandemic.

This is a first step towards GOI’s “Cashless India” programme in Transport Department. In due time, POS machines will be made available in all the other counters of Transport Department handling cash transactions.