Despite PM’s drive, shops offer discount on cash payments

After completion of 50 days of demonetisation and after the Prime Minister announced lucrative schemes like ‘Lucky Grahak Yojna’ and ‘Digi-Dhan Vyapaar Yojna’ to lure consumers and traders to go cashless, businessmen are coming up with counter offers to encourage cash payment over digital payments.

Al- Bake, a famous South Delhi eatery in New Friends Colony, barely has a seat vacant at dinner time but what catches the eyes of customers is the menu booklet that announces “10% Discount on Cash”.

Lucrative as it appears, customers and families were seen carefully reading the cover of the booklet which carried the offer in bold letters.

Customers were also seen going for cash payment to avail the facility. “It’s an attractive offer. Will definitely go for it. I can save money,” said one customer who preferred cash over digital transaction.

When asked why prefer cash over digital transaction the man on the cash counter replied: “We have so many expenses that can be met with cash only. That’s why we offer 10 per cent discount on cash.”

When asked are they providing a bill for the cash payment, he clarified: “Yes, we are giving a pakka bill for both cash and digital payments.”

Sohail Anis, a resident of Jamia Nagar bought a new pair of shoes for New Year from a Style showroom in Lajpat Nagar. He was also lured to pay in cash my the seller.

“The shopkeeper offered to give a discount of 10 per cent on cash payment as against 5 per cent discount on online payment. Obviously, I preferred cash and saved some money,” said Anis.