FROM RUPEE TO DIGITAL CURRENCY: UPI AND CBDC IN INDIA

India's remarkable digital transformation has been driven by innovative financial technologies and a vision for an inclusive, cashless economy. Two significant milestones in this journey are the Unified Payments

- Neha Gaur

Interface (UPI) and the exploration of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). This article delves into how these developments have shaped India's digital landscape and their potential impact on the nation's financial future.

The Birth of UPI

In an increasingly digital world, India has emerged as a pioneer in digital payments through its ground-breaking Unified Payments Interface (UPI). UPI has not only revolutionized transactions in India but has also set a global standard for efficient and inclusive digital payment systems.

Conceived and launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016, UPI was a crucial part of the Indian government's push for a digital economy. UPI simplified peer-to-peer and peer-to-merchant transactions, making them easy, secure, and instantaneous. Users could link their bank accounts to a mobile app and conduct transactions using a unique UPI ID, eliminating the need for cumbersome account numbers and IFSC codes. In August 2023, UPI transactions aggregated to Rs. 10586/- million, with monthly payments valued at Rs. 15,76,536.56 crore.

Key Features and Advantages of UPI Interoperability: UPI stands out for its interoperability, allowing users to transact across different banks and payment service providers seamlessly, fostering healthy competition and choice.

Financial Inclusion: UPI has played a pivotal role in bringing millions of unbanked and underbanked individuals into the formal financial ecosystem, thanks to its user-friendly interface and accessibility through basic smartphones.

Security: UPI transactions prioritize security, with multi-factor authentication and encryption protocols safeguarding user data and funds.