The E-RUPI is an initiative by the Prime Minister to make digital payments easy. This initiative is brought to Indian citizens with the support and collaboration of the Ministry of Finance and the National Health Authority and powered by the National Payments Corporation of India.
Being launched amid COVID-19 on the 2nd of August 2021, this payment mode took birth to facilitate cashless digital transfers among citizens.
The e-RUPl
The e-RUPI is a pre-paid digital voucher that facilitates cashless transactions. One can redeem the voucher without the internet, i.e. the user can redeem the e-RUPI without utilizing internet banking services or bank cards (credit/ debit).
It is a safer method of payments and transactions as the details of the beneficiaries are kept confidential. At the same time, the payments are quick and authentic.
How e-RUPI works
The service consumer will receive the SMS string or QR code on the user’s phone. The user should present this code or the SMS string to the service provider (such as a hospital or PHC) and scan it. The payment would be successful after a verification code was provided to the beneficiary’s phone and shared with the retailer.
Features & Applications of e-RUPI
The stark features of the e-RUPI are as follows:
Safe and Secure
The payment gets redeemed by scanning a QR code or an SMS string. The authorization of vouchers is via a verification code shared by the beneficiary, thus making digital transactions easy & secure. The details of the beneficiaries are not disclosed during or after the transaction. Thus maintaining the privacy of the user.
Contactless payment
In addition, the innovation employs a contactless, cashless payment by scanning a QR code. Handling cash or cards is not necessary. Moreover, you can exchange the voucher for the exact change that you need to pay.
Easy and Hasslefree
The user merely needs to generate the voucher or redeem the voucher. The transaction neither requires the internet nor a bank account to function. It also eliminates the need to carry cash or a card. In addition, it’s a one-time, purpose-specific, value-specific event.
One-time, purpose-specific
Moreover, these e-RUPI vouchers are individual and purpose-specific and can only be used for the precise purpose for which it gets issued.
Monitored payment
The utilization of vouchers is visible, and the issuer can monitor payment. In addition, Costs are reduced because it is an entirely digital transaction that doesn’t need a physical issue (card or voucher).
Applications:
- By providing UPI Prepaid Vouchers to their staff, many corporations can promote their well-being. Distribution of vouchers to a cohort of people is contactless, quick, and safe.
- One can use these vouchers in a purpose-specific fashion. In extension, one can utilize the payment mode in hospitals, service centers, government offices, and more.
- Considering one does not need a bank account to make payments, citizens of a lower economic background can function with a phone and handle transactions with the SMS generated.
- This technology fosters financial inclusion in the country. All micro, small, and medium enterprises need not worry about payment technologies during their initial stages.
Banks Live with e-RUPI
Many central and private banks already facilitate and support this innovation. Some of the banks are:
- State Bank of India
- HDFC Bank
- Axis Bank
- Punjab National Bank
- Bank of Baroda
- Canara Bank
- IndusInd Bank
- ICICI Bank
Summary
The e-RUPI is an initiative by the Government of India to make digital transactions and process transfers without a smartphone, internet, or bank details.
It is a pre-paid voucher for a fixed amount. It is issued by the payer. The transaction occurs by scanning the QR code/ SMS string, followed by payment verification.
It’s a secure and safe system as it doesn’t require details of either party. It’s fast, reliable, and enables everyone to participate in this contactless payment model.
One can avail the electronic vouchers from their partner banks and avail features and utilize them in hospitals, purchases, and much more!
FAQs
What is an e-RUPI?
The e-RUPI is a digital voucher that enables a contactless, cashless transfer of money between 2 parties.
Is e-RUPI a digital currency?
No, e-RUPI is not a digital currency. It is a voucher for a pre-paid amount that is paid to a particular beneficiary only.
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