Kochi: Soon cash transactions will be completely stopped at MVD office counters where PoS (Point of Sale) machines are being set up.
“We’ve entered into a pact with the State Bank of Travancore (SBT) to set up PoS machines at MVD offices across the state. Initially, transactions involving bulk amount such as commercial vehicle tax will be accepted only through PoS machines,” said Transport Commissioner Tomin J. Thachankary.
The PoS system has the ability to process credit and debit cards, record and track customer services and connect to other systems in a network among others.
“More services will be provided through the system along with the online services which would result in avoidance of cash transactions,” he said.
“The advantages are many -- time saving factor, less risk such as fake currencies and a source of record that can be availed of at the click of a button,” he said.
He added: “This is the first time PoS machines are deployed for customer services by the transport department.”
However, there are many challenges to successful implementation. “Currently the amount remitted by customers goes to various accounts under the Kerala government. Under the PoS system, the payment would go only to a single account. Similarly, it would take a day when the department receives the actual cash but would have to dole out the specific service at the PoS itself,” he said.
