THE CONTEXT: The government will launch e-RUPI, a person and purpose specific digital payment solution on 2nd August 2021.
Analysis:
ABOUT 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 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.
- 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.
IMPACT OF e-RUPI
- It is expected to be a revolutionary initiative in the direction of ensuring a leak-proof delivery of welfare services.
- Being pre-paid in nature, it assures timely payment to the service provider without involvement of any intermediary.
- It can also be used for delivering services under schemes meant for providing drugs and nutritional support under Mother and Child welfare schemes, TB eradication programmes, drugs & diagnostics under schemes like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, fertilizer subsidies etc.
- Even the private sector can leverage these digital vouchers as part of their employee welfare and corporate social responsibility programmes.
- It will promote further the objective of digital economy and financial inclusion.