Demonetisation woes: IITs, NITs asked to go cashless for fees, maintenance

Institutions have been told that digital payment modes such as online transfer and payment through mobile wallet should be adopted, irrespective of who the payee is.

The HRD ministry has asked all the higher educational institutions including IITs, NITs and central universities to go cashless in all their transactions. This comes as part of the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry’s push for switching to a digital platform, officials said.

Institutions have been told that digital payment modes such as online transfer and payment through mobile wallet should be adopted, irrespective of who the payee is. (HT file photo)

A few IITs had approached the ministry post demonetisation seeking relaxation from the cash withdrawal limit of Rs 24,000 per week claiming they have to spend substantial amount on maintenance of their huge campuses on a daily basis.

“Keeping in mind its policy towards promoting cashless transactions, the government has asked all the higher educational institutions not to make payments in cash,” said a senior HRD official.

Institutions have been told that digital payment modes such as online transfer and payment through mobile wallet should be adopted, irrespective of who the payee is.

All institution heads have been asked to call a meeting to discuss the modalities and issue directions to the account sections of their institute. “This will take care of the issue arising out of the shortage of cash. It will also ensure digital platform compliance,” said a senior official.