The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a pilot initiative titled “Awareness Program on Digital Payments” to promote safe and wider adoption of digital payment systems. The programme was launched by Sanjay Malhotra during the sixth edition of Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW) observed from 9–13 March 2026.
The pilot programme will initially be conducted in Maharashtra in collaboration with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited.
Key Details of Programme
| Aspect | Details |
| Programme | Awareness Program on Digital Payments |
| Launched by | Reserve Bank of India |
| Launched by | RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra |
| Pilot State | Maharashtra |
| Partners | CSC e-Governance Services India Limited |
| Target Audience | Rural and semi-urban populations |
The initiative aims to increase digital payment awareness and strengthen user trust in digital financial systems.
Objectives of the Programme
The awareness programme focuses on improving digital financial literacy and cybersecurity awareness.
- Promote safe use of digital payment platforms
- Expand digital payment adoption in rural and semi-urban areas
- Increase customer awareness about digital fraud risks
- Strengthen trust in digital payment infrastructure
The programme is part of the RBI’s broader efforts to ensure secure and inclusive digital financial services.
Implementation Strategy
The programme will be implemented through grassroots-level outreach sessions.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
| Target Participants | 10 lakh people |
| Outreach Area | Rural and semi-urban regions |
| Trainers | Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) |
| Mode | In-person awareness sessions |
Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) working under CSC centres will conduct face-to-face training sessions to educate people about safe digital payment practices.
“Thoda Dhyan Se” (Be Alert / Be Careful) Awareness Campaign
Alongside the programme, RBI launched a public awareness campaign titled: “Thoda Dhyan Se” (Be Alert / Be Careful)
The campaign aims to remind users to:
- Stay alert during online transactions
- Avoid fraudulent links and suspicious payment requests
- Protect personal banking details and OTPs
The campaign will use multimedia platforms to spread awareness among the public.
RBI’s Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW)
The awareness programme is part of the Digital Payments Awareness Week (DPAW).
| Aspect | Details |
| Initiative | Digital Payments Awareness Week |
| Organised by | RBI |
| Theme (2026) | Safe Digital Payments |
| Duration | 9–15 March 2026 |
The week focuses on educating people about safe digital payment practices and fraud prevention.
“Har Payment Digital” Mission
The awareness activities are also linked to RBI’s “Har Payment Digital” initiative.
Aim of the Campaign
- Promote ease and convenience of digital payments
- Encourage new users to adopt digital transactions
- Strengthen digital financial inclusion
Banks and non-bank payment system operators are encouraged to conduct awareness campaigns about digital payment channels.
Importance of Initiative
- Promotes safe and secure digital payment usage.
- Strengthens financial literacy in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Protects consumers from digital financial fraud.
- Supports India’s digital economy and financial inclusion goals.
- Encourages trust and wider adoption of digital financial services.