Phasing out cheques

This is with reference to “RBI should ‘cheque’ out its position” ( Business Line , Feb 6). The article is timely.

In many parts of the country, a large number of households still do not enjoy banking facilities due to lack of awareness or non-availability of banking services in their area.

The existing banking customers still prefer physical instruments such as cheque, demand draft, payment order, and so on, for either receipt or payment. Even the Central and State government departments insist on cheque or DD as this will help in easy reconciliation after payment and settlement.

Most of the educational institutions, including hi-tech colleges and universities demand payment in the form of physical instrument only.

The Central Vigilance Commission has issued instructions to discourage the issuance and usage of physical instruments and instructed all concerned to go for e-mode payment.

Before attempting to discourage the use of physical instruments, particularly cheque system, one should ensure complete financial inclusion in the country, proper computer system with net working facilities and awareness among the households about the products and services of banks.

Nisha Narayanan

Mumbai

Agri-exports

At a time when our trade balance is a cause for concern, it is good sign to see agricultural exports exceed imports.

Last fiscal, the surplus was about $20 billion. Unlike the past, India has grown in every facet of agricultural production and gained a place to compete in the world market.

It has replaced Thailand to become the No.1 rice exporter.

Pulses and oilseeds are the two products where we are in deficit, giving rise to imports.

Jacob Sahayam

Thiruvananthapuram

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