
- The RBI leads digital rupee expansion.
- New use cases introduced in India.
- Increased digital transaction growth recorded.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced plans to expand the digital rupee’s use cases nationwide, highlighting enhancements in retail and wholesale sectors as stated in its 2024-25 report.
Broader adoption of the digital rupee could transform India’s payment landscape, signaling a shift towards increased digital transactions and financial inclusivity.
The Reserve Bank of India is spearheading an initiative to broaden the application of the digital rupee, integrating it further into India’s financial system. The RBI’s recent actions to introduce new features stem from the successful pilots launched in 2022.
Shaktikanta Das, Governor, Reserve Bank of India, stated, “We are broadening the reach of our digital rupee pilots and introducing new features for both retail and wholesale CBDCs to enhance their usability.”
The central bank expands its digital currency program, involving 17 banks and four primary dealers. Additionally, the RBI allows some non-banks to offer CBDC wallets, enhancing market reach and testing environments.
The digital rupee’s adoption experienced significant growth, reflected in its increased circulation to ₹1,016.46 crore by FY25. This growth complements India’s digital payment sector, which saw a 34.8% rise in transaction volume.
Financially, the RBI’s initiative aims to boost digital infrastructure’s reach in India. Politically, it strengthens India’s position in the global digital economy. The social implications include increased financial accessibility.
By advancing programmability and offline payment capabilities, the RBI positions the digital rupee as a versatile tool. This expansion could stimulate financial innovation across various sectors, aligning with historical growth trends in digital payments.
Be the first to leave a comment