The demonetization drive saw the middle-class sections of Indian population shedding their inhibition towards cashless transactions. People who were earlier reluctant towards digital wallets and internet banking were found switching to them. The trend caught on and it has been on a rise. But there still remains a major section of our society - the poor and the underprivileged - which has not been able to explore the potential of going cashless.
The poor peoples mind is filled with questions and obscure beliefs about the cashless movement. Most either are afraid that they will lose the little money they have or they are simply resisting the new technology. In such a situation, we, the educated masses, need to rescue them. Few things that we, as common men, can do are as follows:
Bust the myths about cashless transactions
Start by talking to those underprivileged ones who live, work, and interact with you on a daily basis. Find out what is hindering them from making the switch to cashless transactions. Try and provide solutions to them. You will discover that their thought process about cashless transactions is marred by a lot of myths. Provide them with correct, clear and concise information. Wherever possible demonstrate practically and show them how things work in a cashless way.
Inform about benefits of cashless transactions
Day in and day out, the government is rolling out benefits and awards to attract people to switch to cashless transactions. A major chunk of these is introduced keeping in mind the underprivileged and the poor masses of India. But once again the poor get victimized by misinformation. What we can do as a responsible citizen is inform them about these benefits and awards. Once they know about them, there is a strong chance that they will be happy to make the switch to cashless transactions.
Educate them about various modes and facilities of going cashless
The majority of poor have never seen a smartphone. Those who have, dont use it to its full potential. That is why there resistance to cashless transactions can be understood. This situation needs to solved diligently. We can contribute to the Digital India movement by educating the poor and underprivileged about the various facilities that the government and other agencies are providing. Demonstrate and teach them how to use Digital Wallets, USSD Banking, UPI apps, and Credit and Debit Cards.
Spread awareness about Jan Dhan Yojana and Aadhaar Card
The main reason of the underprivileged not warming up to the idea of cashless transactions is that around 90% of them still dont have bank accounts. Take one poor today and encourage him or her to enroll for their Aadhaar Card and open a bank account under the Jan Dhan Yojana. This beautiful scheme by the Government of India is going to only help them prosper. Tell them about the various features and benefits. Dusting off the air of misinformation is a great leap towards making India a cashless economy.
Get them to watch Governments Digishala TV
Keeping in mind the confusion in peoples mind about digital and cashless payments, the Central Government recently launched DigiShala - a free TV channel to impart information and education in rural and semi-urban areas on digital payments, its tools, benefits, and the process. Encourage those near you to watch and learn all about cashless and digital payments through it. While launching DigiShala, Mr. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Information Technology and Electronics clearly stated that this channel will air programmes showing step-by-step demos on making digital payments using UPI, USSD, Aadhaar, e-wallets, cards and various talk shows and panel discussions with experts, as well as information about products and services under the Digital India programme.
Encourage them to attend events educating masses about cashless transactions
This is the easiest thing that one can do to give the poor and underprivileged the much-needed push to adopt cashless payments. Many organizations, agencies, corporates, and NGOs are seen to be holding events, camps, and talks where they help the poor get comfortable with digital payments and cashless transactions. What you can do is, if you come across information of any such event being held around you, just ask those residing near you to attend the same. Thus helping an underprivileged become technically sound without too much effort.
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