Aarthis to get payment online

The Punjab government on Sunday said it will make all payments to aarthis (commission agents) through an online system in the state during ensuing rabi season against wheat procurement.

The amounts will be directly transferred in the accounts of aarthis through Kissan Arthia Information and Remittance Online Network with Rupay Debit Card, an official spokesman said.

All procurement agencies of the state government would make all payments to arthias through online system to ensure the timely disbursement of amounts to aarthis on account of purchase of wheat during the ensuing rabi season 2013-14 from April, 1, 2013, the spokesman said.

He added that state has appealed to the aarthis to get registered under this system for receiving timely payments.

Under this system, aarthis would be issued cards by the participating banks and they would have to swipe their cards on swipe machines to be installed in each Mandi by the banks concerned, he added.

By swiping card, entry would be flashed in the portal of agencies for further approval by the agency staff.

He further said immediately after getting approval, the payment would be transferred into the accounts of aarthis by National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI).

He said eleven leading banks are participating in the project, namely State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Punjab National Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of India, Corporation Bank, Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India and State Bank of Patiala.

He added that to ensure the smooth procurement operations, aarthis are requested to get their particulars verified with portal in the office of respective market committees and get the card at the earliest.