Contemporary Perspectives on AI, Sustainable Development, and Emerging Trends in Social Sciences, Commerce & Management (ISBN: 978-93-49468-03-0)

India’s Hybrid Financial Ecosystem: Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital-Cash Balance

Author: Dr. Pawan Pushpad & Mr. Yogesh Yadav

No doubt, our modern India is gradually catching the cashless syndrome. E-payments, ATM cards and others are now the order of the day at our work-places. This paper takes a keen look into the feasibility of introducing cashless means of digital transactions into our society and the security threats associated with it. The paper explains the potentials of going cashless or digital payments. India's digital payment landscape has transformed dramatically. Here's the latest snapshot for 2025 digital payments: • Digital Dominance: As of the first half of 2025, digital payments account for 99.8% of total transaction volume and 97.7% of transaction value in India • UPI Surge: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) continues to lead the charge, with record-breaking monthly volumes and widespread adoption across urban and rural areas. • Cash Still Present: Despite the digital boom, cash remains relevant in specific contexts especially in local markets, small towns, and informal sectors. The Reserve Bank of India notes that India is not yet a cashless economy, but rather a hybrid model where cash and digital coexist The depletion in cash due to demonetization has pushed digital and e-transactions to the forefront; UPI, e-banking, e-wallets, and other transaction apps becoming prevalent.

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