RBI Enhances Digital Payment Accessibility for Disabled

The Reserve Bank of India has urged banks to review and modify digital payment systems for better accessibility for persons with disabilities. This initiative aims to ensure secure and user-friendly payment experiences for all, with banks required to submit their modification plans within one month.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a directive urging banks to reassess and enhance their digital payment systems to accommodate individuals with disabilities. This move is in response to the growing adoption of digital payment systems among all segments of the population, including differently-abled persons.

In a circular released on Friday, the RBI stated that payment system participants—comprising banks and authorized non-bank payment system providers—should evaluate the accessibility of their systems and devices for people with disabilities. Based on their findings, necessary modifications should be made to point-of-sale machines and other payment systems to enable easy usage by disabled individuals.

The central bank has emphasized that security measures must remain uncompromised during these modifications. Furthermore, payment system participants are required to report to the Reserve Bank within a month, detailing the systems that need adjustments and providing a time-bound action plan for implementation.

(With inputs from agencies.)