'Swag': Union minister hails Bengaluru auto driver for his 'smart' UPI payment method
The auto driver’s QR code for the UPI transaction comes up on his watch screen for the customer to scan and make the ride's payment
A Bengaluru auto-rickshaw driver has found a novel way to accept UPI payments – through his smartwatch, and his innovative approach has gone viral on social media.
Impressed, Union Railways, Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted on X: “UPI का swag🤘 Payments made super easy.”
The auto driver’s QR code for the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction comes up on his smartwatch screen for the customer to scan and make the ride's payment.
Auto driver lauded
This photo of the auto driver sporting the smartwatch went viral on social media. Some called it a tech-savvy and modern method to make payments.
India Today reported that the original social media post was from a X user, Vishvajeet, who praised the unnamed auto driver by saying: “Auto anna (brother) pulled out the peak Bengaluru move.”’
“This is the picture of the new India,” one X user commented. Added another: “This is the magic of Digital India.”
What are UPI transactions
UPI, launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has revolutionised payments by allowing instant transfers between banks. The technology, widely adopted for its ease, has made even everyday transactions, like paying for an auto ride, quick and hasslefree.
The digital payment growth continues to surge and UPI is now adding up to 60 lakh new users every month. UPI processed nearly Rs 81 lakh crore transactions in the April-July period this year, which is a staggering 37 per cent increase (year-on-year).