In a bid to make the transactions convenient for public due to cash crunch across Odisha post demonetisation, the State Government has decided to make the upcoming annual tribal fair a cashless affair this year.
The sellers, who will be opening stalls at the venue, have been asked to set up Paytm and Card Swipe machine facilities to facilitate cashless transaction during the Adivasi Mela, scheduled to commence from January 26.
In view of the nationwide demonetisation, such an initiative has been taken, informed Adivasi Mela Nodal Officer and RDC, Central Division, Akhil Bihari Ota.
A total of 185 stalls would be opened at the venue targeting the highest amount of profit from the fair this year, he said, adding that for the convenience of people, an ATM unit would be installed having adequate amount of `100 currency notes.
Besides, there would be facilities such as Paytm and Card Swipe machines at every stall for cashless transactions, the RDC said.
Special arrangements have been made for preventing the fire mishap at the ground. The authorities have taken an insurance coverage for `2.4 crore for the event, Dr Ota said, adding that fire victims, if any, would be paid the insurance amount up to `10 lakh.
The tribal huts have been built with fireproof materials, he said.
Ota said no other products would be allowed inside the ground to be sold as tribal products, and action would be taken against the defaulters.
The area for the food stalls has been widened this year in view of increasing numbers of visitors, he added.
last year, around `3 crore worth of business was conducted at the Adivasi Mela. The business is expected to increase this year, he expected.