The Government of Punjab has directed all relevant authorities to implement digital payments across the province.
According to an official notification payments in Punjab will now be made digitally instead of in cash. Business transactions will be carried out through QR codes and the Raast system. All commercial centers and retail shops across the province have also been instructed to display QR codes.
The introduction of digital payments will establish a cashless system which is expected to enhance public convenience, transparency and accountability.
Authorities have also ordered the immediate implementation of digital payments at petrol pumps across the province.
Officials said that petrol pumps must ensure payment facilities not only through QR codes but also via mobile transactions. Additionally the issuance of petrol pump licenses has been made conditional upon online booking.
Punjab bans purchase of petrol, diesel vehicles
Previously, the Punjab government decided to enforce a complete ban on the buying of petrol and diesel vehicles.
As per details that in a major move to promote environmentally friendly transportation in the province the Punjab government has decided to completely prohibit the purchase of petrol and diesel powered vehicles in government departments.
Under the new policy, only electric or hybrid vehicles will be allowed for future procurement. However, the vehicles allocated for field duties have been exempted from this ban.
According to the Chief Secretary Punjab, promoting green energy is a top priority for environmental protection in the province and a new electric vehicle policy will be presented soon to provision this goal.
He said that the approval of no-objection certificates (NOCs) for new petrol pumps has now been made conditional on the installation of electric vehicle charging units, and no new petrol pump will be allowed to operate without an EV charging facility.
The Chief Secretary further stated that the installation of electric charging units has been made mandatory for 170 new petrol pumps that have received NOCs. These NOCs have been issued through the e-Biz portal for 170 new petrol pumps across 31 cities in the province.
