MAPUSA
“A cashless society which is being planned seems to be a pipe dream. If this is going to be so, then we shall see sprawling malls replacing our existing major and mini markets which cannot be supported by the cashless transactions,” Lobo said.
The GSRP spokesman was addressing a news conference in its party office in Mapusa on Tuesday.
Relating his personal example on government’s snub to payments by cheques, Lobo said when he went to renew his arms licence on Monday, the cashier at the collectorate refused to accept the licence fee by cheque.
“In the absence of the Collector, I placed my predicament before the Deputy Collector, Sheru Shirodkar who promptly put a note on the letter to accept the fee by cheque,” Lobo said.
“But surprisingly, in spite of the deputy collector’s noting, the cashier refused to accept the fee by cheque, as he had received no orders from seniors to accept cheque payments,” he added.
The GSRP spokesman said when government system was not in place how it was planning to promote a cashless society.
He said the cashless concept will put those engaging in daily chores in worst situation.
“The daily bread man, milk man, fish man, daily wage labourer, chai-walla, barber and newspaper delivery man will have to arm themselves with the plastic card swipers, not forgetting the occasional beggar on the corner of the streets,” he said.
He further wondered what will be the fate of the ATMs in a cashless society.
