Arun Jaitley
New Delhi, December 08, 2016:
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today announced 11 measures that the government has taken to expedite the digital switchover, including a 0.75 per cent discount for those who purchase petrol or diesel through digital payments.
- Highlights of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's announcmenrts:
- 0.75 per cent discount for those who purchase petrol or diesel through digital payments
3. People who pay digitally and use Smart TAGs and RFID facilities at toll plazas on national highways will get a 10% discount.
4. For those using cards and e-wallets, Petrol and Diesel purchases will now attract a 0.75% discount.
5. The government will provide 2 POS or Point of Sale machines for free to each village that has a population of over 8,000.
6. Around 75 crore people will get access to these machines.
7. Passengers who pay digitally for their tickets will get a 0.5% discount. This discount will be applicable from January 1, 2017.
8. Railways passengers who purchase tickets online in Suburban trains will be entitled to an insurance coverage of Rs. 10 Lakhs for free.
9. Passengers purchasing tickets online will also get a 5% discount on accommodation, catering and retiring room at Railway Stations.
10. No service tax will be charged on transactions of up to Rs. 2,000, if a card is used.
11. People paying general insurance premiums will get a 10% discount and 8% discount for life insurance, if the payment is made online.
12. Government bodies will not charge a transaction fees for digital payments.
13. The government is encouraging alternate forms of payment. It aims to push and implement the use of credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, and online banking.
14. Excessive cash can also lead to malpractices, and thus it is being discouraged. The shift to a 'less-cash' economy has to be achieved.