In line with the government’s aim to make India digital, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all state/UT Level Bankers Committees (SLBCs/ UTLBCs) to identify one district in their respective states/ UTs on a pilot basis in consultation with banks and stakeholders, to expand digital payments ecosystem.
The Apex Bank further noted that the identified district shall be allotted to a bank having significant footprint which will endeavour to make the district 100 per cent digitally enabled within one year, in order to enable every individual in the district to make/ receive payments digitally in a safe, secure, quick, affordable and convenient manner. This will include providing the necessary infrastructure and literacy to handle such transactions.
As per the RBI, the SLBCs/UTLBCs should endeavour to ensure that to the extent possible, districts identified are converged with the 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' program of the government. Besides, the RBI advised that SLBC/ UTLBC convenor banks need to monitor the progress made in this regard on a quarterly basis and report the same to concerned regional offices/ sub-offices of the Reserve Bank.