RBI Launches Offline Digital Rupee (e₹) at Global Fintech Fest 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the offline digital rupee (e₹) at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, marking a significant step in the digital finance ecosystem of India. The e₹ is a form of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), combining the convenience of digital payments with the characteristics of physical cash.

Key Highlights:

• Nature of e₹:
  • Official CBDC issued by RBI.
  • Functions like physical cash in digital form.
  • Stored in bank wallets provided by SBI, ICICI, HDFC, and Union Bank.
• Availability:
  • Wallet apps available on Google Play and Apple App Store.
  • Supports instant person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions.
• Offline Capability:
  • Supports offline payments using minimal network connectivity or NFC tap technology.
  • Ensures usability in rural and remote areas, expanding financial inclusion.
• Programmability & Pilots:
  • Being tested in government schemes:
    • GSAFAL in Gujarat
    • DEEPAM 2.0 in Andhra Pradesh
  • Enables efficient subsidy delivery, transparency, and traceability of funds.
• Pilot & Adoption:
  • India’s first retail e-rupee pilot started on December 1, 2022.
  • Over 7 million users have participated so far.

Significance for India:

• Strengthens digital payment infrastructure.
• Promotes financial inclusion, especially in underserved regions.
• Reduces dependency on cash handling.
• Facilitates transparent, traceable, and programmable payments for government schemes.