Can’t shift to cashless mode immediately, says Pondicherry Chief Minister

Narayansamy said Puducherry will accept only schemes acceptable to people and will not allow the centre to impose anything.  He said after demonetisation of higher value currencies, business in Puducherry was totally affected. 

Lack of cash in banks and ATMs has affected the common man and has also reduced the revenue to the government. In this backdrop, it will be difficult to implement the centre’s proposal within the stipulated time frame, he said, adding that after a discussion with his cabinet colleagues, he had informed the centre about the inability to implement the scheme here.  

The Chief Minister said this could be implemented only in a phased manner, as Puducherry lacks the infrastructure. It could be implemented only in the town area now. But there are no banks or ATMs in rural areas. Also POS machines are not available with small shops, he added. Narayanasamy said he had informed the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh that the proposal could be implemented only in a phased manner and sought adequate time. I had already taken up this matter with the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, he said, adding that he had written a letter to Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and sought an appointment with the Prime minister on December 23.