RBI announces creation of Payments Infrastructure Development Fund

RBI - Payments Infrastructure Development Fund - Taxscan

The Reserve Bank of India ( RBI ) has announced the creation of a Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) to encourage acquirers to deploy Points of Sale (PoS) infrastructure (both physical and digital modes) in tier-3 to tier-6 centers and northeastern states.

Over the years, the payments ecosystem in the country has evolved with a wide range of options such as bank accounts, mobile phones, cards, etc. To provide further fillip to the digitisation of payment systems, it is necessary to give impetus to acceptance infrastructure across the country, more so in underserved areas.

The Reserve Bank will make an initial contribution of ₹250 crores to the PIDF covering half the fund and the remaining contribution will be from card issuing banks and card networks operating in the country. The PIDF will also receive recurring contributions to cover operational expenses from card-issuing banks and card networks. The Reserve Bank will also contribute to yearly shortfalls, if necessary.

The PIDF will be governed through an Advisory Council and managed and administered by Reserve Bank.

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