Digital payment takes toll on Sasti Roti business

BATHINDA: To propagate the digital mode of payment in the city, Red Cross Society (RCS) has installed swipe machine at Sasti Roti, a facility where poor may have meals at Rs 10. However, it seems to have a negative effect, as the number of people availing the facility has taken a hit.

An employee of the Red Cross Society with digital equipment at a Sasti Roti outlet. Photo: Vijay Kumar

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, February 19

To propagate the digital mode of payment in the city, Red Cross Society (RCS) has installed swipe machine at Sasti Roti, a facility where poor may have meals at Rs 10. However, it seems to have a negative effect, as the number of people availing the facility has taken a hit.

As per information available, around 160 people used to have affordable meals there in a day earlier, but ever since the installation of digital equipment at Sasti Roti, the number has declined to mere 60.

Some visitors alleged that the officer deployed at Sasti Roti by the authorities concerned compelled them to pay Rs 10 either through ATM or Adhaar Card.

Rakesh Narula, president of an NGO and RCS member, said, “During a recent visit to the Sasti Roti centre it came to the light that RCS has made it mandatory to pay Rs 10 through digital mode of payment.”

He said he immediately called up Red Cross secretary Naveen Gadwal who said they haven’t made it mandatory for the visitors to pay through digital mode.

Narula said there was no need to install swipe machine for payment of Rs 10 each from the visitors.

When contacted, Gadwal denied that they’ve made digital payment mandatory for the visitors.

Meanwhile, there are reports that Sasti Roti kitchen is being shifted to the women hostel located near Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital. Narula said it was not a good move as it will also adversely affect the footfall at the facility.