Bhopal, Dec 11: Devotees visiting Simhastha (Kumbh) Mela-2016 in Ujjain will not have to carry cash as all nationalised and private banks are making preparations to make the festive gathering a cashless event.
“The banks will issue Simhastha Debit Cards. Besides, over 100 ATMs will also be established in Mela area. Not only this, nationalised and private banks would also undertake Simhastha-related publicity on their websites and invite devotees from all over the country to use their debit cards during Simhastha,” an official release said on Thursday.
Banks would display posters of Simhastha at their branches. Besides, information about Simhastha and debit cards would also be displayed through LED monitors of banks wherever available.
This was decided at a meeting chaired by Ujjain Commissioner Dr Ravindra Pastor, it said.
Bank officials were informed that about five crore devotees are estimated to visit Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv.
Entire Mela area has been divided into six zones and 22 sectors of which 16 sectors are situated in Mela area. In Mela area, 15 lakh devotees will permanently reside. Besides, the area would also have 13 Akhadas, it said.
Banks should initiate steps for paperless and cashless facilities to reduce risks involved in cash transactions and concretise concept of Green Simhastha.
Various banks were asked to partner in 55 services identified by Mela Office under corporate social responsibility.
These include rest rooms on Panchkroshi Marg, community kitchens, drinking water kiosks, construction of public toilets among others, it added.
