Shaktikanta Das, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), launched a new unique payments interface (UPI) for feature phones on Tuesday to accelerate digitisation and improve the security of online transactions. He also launched a helpline to address the queries of digital payment users across products.
UPI123Pay is an option to make Unified Interface Payments (UPI) payments for feature phone users. DigiSaathi is a 24×7 helpline to address the queries of digital payment users across products.
Das highlighted the importance of these initiatives in enhancing the diversity, utility and transformational power of digital innovations in the country. These initiatives will further deepen the digital ecosystem and financial inclusion. The governor also stated that the RBI stands committed to providing an enabling environment for this.
Considering that there are more than 40 crore feature phone mobile subscribers in the country, UPI123pay will materially improve the options for such users to access UPI. UPI123Pay includes four distinct options — app-based functionality, missed call, inter-active voice response (IVR) and proximity sound-based payments, which uses sound waves to enable contactless, offline, and proximity data communication on any device.
The helpline – ‘DigiSaathi’ – provides a channel to obtain help on the entire gamut of digital payments via website and chatbot facility. Automated responses on information related to digital payment products and services are available in Hindi and English through multiple options like – a toll-free number 1800-891-3333, a short code 14431, a website – www.digisaathi.info, and chatbots.
