Is the digital rupee the right approach?
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The RBI's e-rupee pilot has gained only 1 million users after two years. With poor internet access in villages, how will my cousin in Bihar use this when UPI struggles there? Isn't financial inclusion more about access than about adding another digital option?
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The "e-rupee" is more than just another UPI; it acts like "digital cash." After gaining over 60 lakh users in 2025, the RBI added features that work offline and can be programmed for areas with poor connectivity.
Bihar's connectivity issues can make it hard to adopt the e-rupee now. However, the RBI is testing offline wallets for rural areas where UPI struggles. Your cousin won't need the internet, he can pay by simply tapping, just like using a ₹100 note. True inclusion means ensuring the digital economy works even when the internet is down.