Nellore: Officials upset over lack of PoS devices

Nellore: Senior officials of the Nellore district are unhappy over the inadequate supply of PoS (Point of Sale) Machines (Swiping Machines) to various departments such as commercial taxes, agriculture, excise, customs and medical shops, which are seeking them for cashless transactions as desired by government.

Both the officials and bankers allege that priority is being given to Krishna and Guntur districts with respect to supply of the PoS machines in view of pressure from top brass of the state.

The presence of the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in the capital region and possibility of surprise checks by him led the bankers to divert majority of the PoS machines to Krishna and Guntur districts, an officer alleged.

Commercial taxes department was given the task of placing indent for the machines after collecting requirements from various departments and they have placed requisition for around 5,000 machines nearly 3 weeks back but they have received only 1,835 so far.

Besides the government departments, Commercial taxes officials also convinced traders dealing with consumer items both in Nellore and Prakasam districts to install the machines.

A senior official said they need 1,100 more PoS machines in addition to the requisition of Commercial tax wing. “What is the use of a massive campaign to create awareness on cashless transactions when the PoS machines are not available,” a district officer questioned referring to the awareness campaign that covered 40,000 people including government employees, teaching staff of educational institutes and students till Wednesday.

A bank officer, who doesn't want to be identified, said they have been requesting their customers to go for cashless transactions and install PoS machines from a longtime but they ignored their plea then and beelining now for the equipment.
He said it will take more than a week to supply machine after placing the order since the companies have to install the software and other details before delivering the equipment.

When asked about service fee being charged from the cardholders, he said action can be taken against the traders since it is against the rules.