MAHESH PAI highlights the benefits of UPI payments and its role in making India a digitally empowered economy
Since its launch in 2016, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionized the way financial transactions occur in India. Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI has become a cornerstone of India’s digital economy, driving significant changes in payment behaviour, fostering economic inclusion, and making cashless transactions a norm in everyday life. The UPI system offers a secure, real- time, and unified platform for instant fund transfers between bank accounts using mobile devices. This transformation has not only modernised how payments are conducted but has also contributed substantially to economic transparency, accountability, and access to affordable services.
The Advantages of UPI
1. Instant and Seamless Payments – One of UPI’s primary advantages is its ability to provide real-time payments. UPI allows users to transfer money instantly, 24×7, between bank accounts, regardless of whether it’s a holiday, a weekend, or after banking hours. This eliminates the delays traditionally associated with NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) or RTGS (Real-Time Gross Settlement) payments, making it particularly useful for both personal and business transactions.
2. Financial Inclusion – UPI has been instrumental in bringing millions of unbanked and underbanked individuals into the financial system. With just a smartphone, individuals can access financial services without needing to visit a bank branch. This democratization of finance has empowered people in rural and semi-urban areas, enabling them to participate in the digital economy and reducing dependency on cash.
3. Enhanced Accountability and Transparency – UPI offers a clear digital trail for every transaction, contributing to greater financial transparency. This transparency has bolstered the fight against corruption, money laundering, and other illegal activities often associated with cash-based transactions. In addition, the government can track payments more efficiently, which enhances tax accountability and reduces the chances of black money circulation.
4. Lower Transaction Costs – One of the most significant benefits of UPI is its cost effectiveness. Transactions via UPI are free for users, or come with very minimal charges compared to other payment methods. This has been crucial for small businesses, which can now accept digital payments without worrying about high transaction fees.
5. Convenience and User Experience – UPI’s simplicity and ease of use have contributed to its widespread adoption. Users can send and receive money using only a Virtual Payment Address (VPA), which eliminates the need for sharing sensitive banking details like IFSC codes or account numbers. Additionally, UPI integrates various services like bill payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and even e-commerce transactions into a single platform.
6. Support for a Cashless Economy – The success of UPI aligns with the government’s Digital India initiative, which aims to create a cashless society. UPI’s seamless experience has made digital payments attractive, reducing India’s dependency on cash and helping the country move towards a less-cash economy. This shift has positive implications for reducing costs associated with printing, transporting, and securing physical currency.
The Disadvantages of UPI
1. Dependence on Internet Connectivity – While UPI offers instant payments; it is heavily reliant on internet access. In regions where internet connectivity is weak or non-existent, UPI transactions become unreliable or impossible. This poses a challenge, particularly in remote and rural areas, despite their growing adoption of digital services.
2. Security Concerns – Despite robust encryption and two-factor authentication, UPI is not immune to cyber fraud. Scams such as phishing, fraudulent payment links, and identity theft are challenges that have surfaced with the increasing popularity of UPI. While security measures are continually being updated, users often fall victim to fraud due to a lack of awareness.
3. Transaction Limits – UPI has a daily transaction limit, typically set at Rs 1 lakh (Rs. 100,000). For small transactions, this is sufficient, but for high-value payments, users need to resort to other channels, such as NEFT or RTGS. Businesses dealing in high volumes might find this limiting.
4. Over-reliance on Smartphones – UPI transactions can only be completed through smartphones, which may separate the other segments of the population that are less tech-savvy or cannot afford such devices.
UPI’s Impact on the Indian Economy
1. Boost to Economic Growth – UPI has driven growth in sectors like e-commerce, retail, and small businesses. By facilitating easy and low-cost digital payments, it has enabled businesses, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to thrive. Many businesses that previously relied on cash transactions have now embraced UPI as a preferred mode of payment, allowing them to scale more efficiently.
2. Growth in Digital Payments – In 2023, UPI processed over 10 billion transactions per month, a testament to its widespread use. Its flexibility in supporting both person to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) payments has made it an attractive choice for a wide array of payment needs, further solidifying India’s digital payment ecosystem.
3. Financial Accountability and Clean Payments – UPI has introduced a level of financial hygiene previously missing in many sectors. For example, vendors who may have avoided reporting income are now part of a trackable digital economy. This formalisation of transactions has enhanced tax collections and ensured that payments are traceable and accountable. The ability to cleanly record transactions contributes to a reduction in illegal financial practices, fostering a culture of integrity in business transactions.
4. Support during the Covid-19 pandemic – The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the use of UPI, as people shifted towards contactless payments to minimize physical interactions. UPI’s popularity surged as a hygienic payment option during this period, further embedding it into daily life and enhancing its role in keeping the economy running despite lockdowns and restrictions.
5. Reduction in Cash Dependency – UPI has significantly reduced the dependence on cash, especially for small and everyday transactions. This shift is crucial because cash-heavy economies face high operational costs associated with handling, printing, and transporting physical currency. Reducing cash dependency contributes to more efficient banking systems and a stronger overall economy.
The Road Ahead: UPI’s Expanding Horizon
The future of UPI looks bright as it continues to evolve and innovate. NPCI has been working on integrating UPI with international payment systems, and it is already accepted in some countries. Additionally, the development of UPI 2.0 has brought in new features like recurring payments, overdraft facility, and the ability to link UPI with credit cards, further expanding its potential. As UPI continues to shape India’s financial landscape, it is also contributing to a cultural shift in how payments are perceived and conducted. The younger generation, in particular, has embraced digital payments, making UPI an integral part of the country’s cashless future.
Conclusion
UPI has been a game-changer in India’s financial ecosystem. With its seamless, cost-effective, and secure nature, UPI has not only transformed the way Indians make payments but also brought greater accountability, transparency, and efficiency to the economy. While challenges remain in terms of internet access and security concerns, the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks. UPI has become a catalyst for economic inclusion, cleaner transactions, and fast payments, playing a key role in India’s journey towards becoming a digitally empowered economy.
