RBI finds cash demand harder to predict as digital payments grow
RBI faces challenges forecasting demand for banknotes as currency in circulation continues to grow at double-digit rates despite rising digital payments. Deputy Governor SC Murmu said cash remains widely used, particularly in rural areas, among low-income groups and small businesses.
Kolkata: RBI deputy governor SC Murmu highlighted the difficulty in forecasting currency demand as digital payments surge, even as physical cash remains in circulation. Despite digital payments' growth, currency in circulation has increased at double-digit rates, complicating monetary planning, Murmu said during a Jakarta central bankers meeting on August 13.
Digital payment adoption in India has been transformative, yet cash volumes persist, particularly in rural, semi-urban, low-income, older, and small business sectors. India annually produces and distributes 28-30 billion banknotes across six denominations, while currently, 176 billion banknotes circulate. The RBI is investigating extending banknote life through coatings and polymer notes for lower denominations to mitigate environmental impacts.
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