Digital payments overtake cash during Diwali, RBI data reflects a shift

The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) recent data reveals a notable decrease in cash circulation, as digital transactions, particularly through Unified Payments Interface (NASDAQ:) (UPI), have surged during the Diwali festive period. The trend underscores a broader shift in consumer behavior toward digital payments, which has been influenced by the government’s push for digitization and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to SBI’s Ecowrap report, there was a significant increase in UPI transactions in October. This rise is attributed to government initiatives aimed at promoting digital payments and the convenience offered by interoperable payment systems. The shift away from cash was particularly evident during Diwali, a time traditionally associated with high cash usage.

The RBI data highlighted a reduction in Currency in Circulation (CIC) by ₹5,934 crore to ₹33.6 lakh crore as of November 17. This decline is part of a larger trend observed in the current fiscal year, with a total decrease of ₹22,721 crore (INR100 crore = approx. USD12 million). The move towards less cash circulation is seen as having positive implications for monetary policy, as it reflects a change in liquidity analysis due to reduced dependency on physical currency.

This transition is not only driven by government initiatives but also by changing consumer habits, which have evolved post-COVID-19 and due to lessons learned from past global financial crises. As consumers increasingly embrace digital payment methods, the Indian economy is witnessing a significant transformation in its transactional practices.

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