The Prime Minister has launched e-RUPI, a person and purpose-specific digital payment solution.

What is e-RUPI?

• e-RUPI is a cashless and contactless instrument for digital payment.
• It is a QR code or SMS string-based e-Voucher, which is delivered to the mobile of the beneficiaries.
• The users of this seamless one-time payment mechanism will be able to redeem the voucher without a card, digital payments app, or internet banking access, at the service provider.
• It has been developed by the National Payments Corporation of India on its UPI platform, in collaboration with the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and National Health Authority.

How does it work?

• e-RUPI connects the sponsors of the services with the beneficiaries and service providers in a digital manner without any physical interface.
• It also ensures that the payment to the service provider is made only after the transaction is completed.
• Being pre-paid in nature, it assures timely payment to the service provider without the involvement of any intermediary.

Benefits offered

• It is expected to be a revolutionary initiative in the direction of ensuring a leak-proof delivery of welfare services.
• Even the private sector can leverage these digital vouchers as part of their employee welfare and corporate social responsibility programs.

---

Answer this PYQ in the comment box:

Q.Which of the following is the most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’?

(a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments.

(b) Digital currency will totally replace physical currency in about two decades.

(c) FDI inflows will drastically increase.

(d) Direct transfer of subsidies to poor people will become very effective

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now