HELPING DECONGEST QUEUES
* A Google Docs spreadsheet that can be edited by anyone passing by an ATM in Panaji
* Simply enter details of the branch and whether or not it was open and functioning
* This document aims to decongest queues by providing information to tourists and locals
* Also helps people to ensure they step out at the correct time to respective ATMs
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LOG IN THE SMART WAY
* Called ATM Goa, anyone with access to a smartphone or computer can gain access to the url http://tinyurl.com/atmgoa or save this number (+91 70209 72095)
* Details via Whatsapp will be sent out after one and half hour intervals. The Whatsapp service will however be made available from Tuesday afternoon
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Mainkar, who is also the founder of Androcid Media, devised the plan after the central government’s demonetisation move that left many, especially tourists in a fix. His plan was to create a Google Docs spreadsheet open to be edited by anyone passing by an ATM and involves them simply entering into an excel sheet details of the branch and whether or not it was open and functioning.
Speaking to The Goan, Mainkar said, “Tourism is one of the most crucial elements for Goa’s economy. With demonetisation, tourist might suffer tendering correct notes to store owners. Google maps allows ATM locations but considering this issue, this document aims to decongest the queues by providing information to tourists as well as locals in city of Panaji so that they find alternatives to ATMs that are having cash and information about the queues. This not only helps them plan the withdrawals but for locals it also helps to ensure they step out intelligently at the correct time.”
Being called ATM Goa, anyone with access to a smartphone or computer can gain access to the url http://tinyurl.com/atmgoa or save this number on their phones (+91 70209 72095) and details via Whatsapp will be sent out after one and half hour intervals. The Whatsapp service will however be made available Tuesday afternoon.
Mainkar said that though the plan was for Panjim alone, several people from across the state have listed ATMs and their statuses in Siolim, Canacona and Farmagudi. “People have realized that, crowd sourcing is great when we work for a cause. This is a small step towards how digital initiatives can help boost people. This is entirely made to ensure people contribute to help other people. This sheet was started for Panaji, and now spots several places.”
Based on the two days since creating the excel sheet, Mainkar said that most were Android users accessing the information from Facebook. More than 95 percent users were Android users and most of them were accessing the link via Facebook link. The most important stat, he points is that 87.9percent are accessing it via Facebook for Mobile
Taking the example of the project from Goa, Chennai and Pune too have begun similar projects of their own.
Trolls, however, still are a problem, but Mainkar said that too can be monitored. “We are maintaining change logs and restore any information in the case of a hiccup. But we believe, people can act responsibly as this document is created for their own aid,” he said.
