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The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was instrumental in India’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told IANS on Monday. Highlighting the contrast with several prosperous countries that struggled to provide financial support to their citizens, Modi emphasized the significant role UPI played during these challenging times.
“If there was no UPI, can someone tell me how we would have fought the battle of Covid? Even the rich countries could not provide money to their people despite having sufficient funds. We gave it easily to the needy,” PM Modi remarked in an exclusive interview.
The Prime Minister underscored the efficiency and reach of UPI, citing the rapid disbursement capabilities it offers. “Today, we can send money to 11 crore farmers within 30 seconds. Now, UPI is user-friendly because of talented youth who create such world-class products that any common person can use,” he said.
During the Covid-induced lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, India also made significant strides in ensuring affordable internet access. PM Modi noted that the decision to make internet data inexpensive was a strategic move to support the nation’s youth. “I was worried that if they remain stuck within the four walls of their homes, it will lead to the end of their childhood,” he explained. “So we made data very cheap. I wanted them to use the Internet and look at a new world, and it happened. We have benefited from it.”
Data from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) indicates that the cost of internet data was reduced to Rs 10.55 per GB in 2020. This move enabled affordable internet access for millions, facilitating educational and developmental opportunities for children and youth during the lockdowns.
PM Modi emphasized that these measures turned the challenges posed by the pandemic into opportunities for growth and innovation. “India played a huge role in turning the problems of Covid into an opportunity,” he stated.
The success of UPI and the widespread availability of affordable internet are testaments to India’s ability to leverage technology for societal benefit, setting an example for the world in crisis management and digital inclusion.
