<h1>Digital Payments Surpass Rs. 12,000 Lakh Crore, Boosting Inclusion Under RBI's Infrastructure Fund</h1> Over the past six financial years, digital payment transactions in India have exceeded 65,000 crore, totaling over Rs. 12,000 lakh crore, significantly enhancing financial inclusion for underserved communities. The government, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Payments Corporation, fintechs, banks, and state governments, has promoted digital payment adoption, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The RBI established the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund to expand digital payment infrastructure in less developed regions, resulting in 4.77 crore digital touchpoints as of May 2025. The RBI's Digital Payments Index, measuring digitization progress, reached 465.33 in September 2024. Initiatives supporting small businesses and MSMEs include incentives for low-value transactions, invoice discounting under TReDS, and rationalized merchant discount rates. Digital payment platforms have increased formal financial participation by providing alternative credit data, enabling broader access to credit and reducing cash dependency.