UPI Evolves from Tech to Daily Habit, Says FIDE CEO
UPI is no longer just a technology—it’s a population-scale habit reshaping how 500 million Indians engage with the digital economy.
UPI Is Now a Way of Life, Not Just Technology
In a country of 1.4 billion, where digital innovation is as much about access as it is about advancement, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has grown into more than just a platform—it has become a daily ritual. At the recent Carnegie India Global Technology Summit, Sujith Nair, CEO and Co-Founder of the Foundation for Interoperability in Digital Economy (FIDE), made a bold assertion: “UPI is no more a technology. It is a population-scale habit.”
And he isn’t exaggerating. With over 500 million active users, UPI has fundamentally transformed how Indians think about money, access services, and engage with the formal economy. It’s not just a shift in infrastructure; it’s a shift in culture.
Digital Public Infrastructure: Empowering People, Not Platforms
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) like UPI and Aadhaar has helped democratize access to essential services, especially for those who were once left on the economic margins. Nair explained that DPI is more than a technical framework—it’s a people-first model designed to bridge gaps between citizens, governments, and private enterprises.
“DPIs give people the ability to participate in formal economic activities with autonomy, dignity, and choice,” Nair said. “They help expand opportunities for individuals while growing the overall economic pie.”
By turning government-backed technology into accessible public goods, DPI ensures that even small businesses and informal workers have the tools to thrive. From farmers in rural Maharashtra to gig workers in Delhi, DPI provides access to loans, insurance, and marketplaces that were once beyond reach.
ONDC: Decentralizing E-Commerce for Small Players
One of India’s most ambitious DPI initiatives, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), is quietly revolutionizing how small merchants and service providers participate in the digital economy. Unlike traditional platforms that centralize power and profits, ONDC decentralizes access, letting users define their own terms of engagement.
“Shopkeepers and drivers are no longer dependent on intermediaries. ONDC gives them more voice, more participation, and more autonomy,” said Nair. “This isn’t just about better access—it’s about building resilience and self-reliance.”
Consider a local cab driver: With ONDC, he isn’t tied to a single aggregator. He can connect with customers directly, access microloans, or even sign up for insurance—all on his terms. That kind of flexibility is a game-changer in an economy where informal workers often operate without safety nets.
Global South Turns to India for Digital Playbook
India’s DPI model is drawing global attention, especially among countries in the Global South looking to replicate its success. During its G20 presidency, India made a compelling case for DPI as a global public good.
Nigeria, for instance, is following in India’s footsteps by combining digital identity with payment systems. Malawi is testing DPI-as-a-Service (DaaS) to streamline disaster-related government payments. Even Papua New Guinea and Morocco are betting on digital transformation, despite challenges like cybersecurity and infrastructure gaps.
The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) “50-in-5” campaign—an initiative to help 50 countries adopt DPI in five years—has seen pledges from nations like the Dominican Republic, showcasing India’s growing influence in the global digital ecosystem.
Bridging the Gaps: Challenges on the Road Ahead
Despite the momentum, building scalable DPI isn’t without hurdles. Privacy concerns, lack of cross-border interoperability, and uneven adoption still threaten to widen the digital divide. And as more countries adopt these systems, issues like data governance and ethical usage will demand urgent attention.
Yet, India’s proactive diplomacy—signing Memorandums of Understanding with several countries to share DPI expertise—signals a commitment to inclusive, global progress.
Conclusion: From Habit to Hope—India’s Digital Revolution
What began as a technological solution to ease payments has become a defining habit for millions. UPI, Aadhaar, ONDC—these aren’t just tools; they are enablers of dignity, access, and economic empowerment.
India’s DPI journey proves that when technology is built with people at its core, it can transform not just systems, but lives. As more nations take note, the future of inclusive digital economies may very well be shaped by the blueprint India is writing today.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, technological, or legal advice. The views expressed are based on available public statements and sources and do not reflect any official position.
source : The Economic Times