Demonetization to Digitalization: A Step Toward Progress

Abstract

Journey from demonetization to digitalization is very hard hitting but not impossible. Recent demonetization in India on November 8, 2016, created lot of panic in the economy but also paved the way to digitalization. Cash crunch and availability of e-sources of transactions compelled many people to use electronic modes of payment. Credit cards, debit cards/RuPay card, USSD/UPI, Internet banking, mobile wallets like Oxigen, Paytm, Mobiwik, aadhar-enabled payment system, POS, and so on are few popular modes of electronic transaction, which are commonly used by the citizen. Digitalization will embrace higher transparency in monetary terms; low-cost maintenance; more convenience in use; and help in financial inclusion and weeding out black money and counterfeit money from the economy. But journey to a destination is always full of roadblocks, and similarly the journey of India toward a digital India is also full of hurdles like a huge illiteracy rate; low bandwidth; more unbanked areas; late adoption of technology; lack of full-time electricity; security concerns like hacking, cybercrime, and safety of personal details; and need for high investments. So, to defend the dream of a digital India, we have to develop well-defined strategies to coach people in using technology like focusing on customer education as well as employee education in technology by conducting workshops, presentations, enforcing strict cyber laws, use of local language, and developing user-friendly websites that leverage technology using the development of simple and smart digital tools, such as the use of a one-time password (OTP). The government has started Vittiya Sakharata Abhiyaan (VISAKA) and outreach campaigns like DigiDhan Abhiyan and so on to encourage people to adopt digital tools. Overall demonetization is greasing the wheels of digitalization and transforming India into Digital India.