In the context of the rapid development of digital technologies and the widespread use of artificial intelligence, the transition to a cashless payment system has become one of the key areas of economic and financial reform in the country. On the one hand, this process helps ensure transparency and reduce the influence of human factors; on the other hand, it creates favorable conditions for economic growth and contributes positively to the state budget.
The consistent initiatives of the country’s top leadership in expanding cashless payments are highly significant. In particular, on 22 June 2023, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan signed the Decree “On Measures to Expand Cashless Settlements.” According to this document, from 1 August 2023, the payment of taxes, state duties, other mandatory budget payments, fines, compulsory state insurance fees, medical services, utility services, other types of public services, as well as payments collected by ministries, agencies, and state institutions for paid services, must be carried out exclusively in non-cash form.
The decree also emphasizes that ministries, agencies, state institutions, and financial-credit organizations of the republic are prohibited from accepting cash payments for paid services.
Experts note that the transition to a cashless payment system reduces the public’s dependence on cash and decreases the need to withdraw money from ATMs and other service points. This, in turn, saves time and reduces additional expenses. Moreover, the use of modern cashless payment tools makes the payment process for public services easier, more accessible, and more efficient.
At the same time, specialists also point to certain existing risks. In some cases, fraudsters unlawfully obtain citizens’ funds through various schemes involving electronic wallets and other payment tools. Therefore, strengthening financial literacy, raising public awareness, and observing digital security rules are of particular importance.
In recent years, the number of terminal networks of financial-credit institutions and electronic payment tools, including payment cards and e-wallets, has increased rapidly. Today, a large proportion of the population owns payment cards and has learned to use specialized banking applications. As observations show, citizens increasingly prefer cashless transactions when purchasing goods and paying for services.
Overall, cashless payments are regarded as one of the important tools for regulating financial relations, enhancing transparency, and strengthening the modern economic system. Under current conditions, they are gaining increasing importance for the country’s sustainable development.
