New Delhi [India], July 15: I’d like to begin by expressing my gratitude to Prasanna Lohar, President and Founder of India Blockchain Forum, for steering such a meaningful session at Matrix Forum 2025, and to J Sivakumar of SBI for his candid and practical insights from the banking frontlines. These kinds of open, honest conversations are what India’s digital journey needs most right now.
Bringing Digital to the Heart of Rural India
When we talk about the future of Indian finance, it’s easy to get lost in big numbers and new technology. But at its core, this conversation is about real people—farmers, small business owners, rural communities. Agriculture still employs around 42% of India’s workforce and contributes nearly 18% to our GDP. When we get digital right for this sector, we set the stage for inclusive growth across the country.
Public Sector Banks: More Than Just Money
It’s not an exaggeration to say that banks like SBI have been at the heart of India’s rural transformation. Whether it’s bringing credit to villages, supporting FPOs, or making financial inclusion a reality, their reach and trust are what make a true impact possible. These institutions don’t just move money, they move lives.
The Promise of CBDC and DPI
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)—Aadhaar, UPI, ONDC—has already revolutionized access and transparency. With the advent of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), we’re taking the next step. The digital rupee (e₹) is about more than convenience; it’s about purpose, programmability, and traceability.
At the panel, we discussed how e₹ can put power directly in the hands of rural Indians. Imagine a government subsidy that lands instantly in a farmer’s digital wallet, ready to be spent only with approved vendors. Imagine credit and insurance that actually reach landless or tenant farmers, groups traditionally left out of the system. This is what programmable money can deliver: targeted support, zero leakage, and instant impact.
Practical Solutions for Real India
But it only works if we meet rural India where it is. That means:
- Digital wallets that work in local languages and on basic
- Offline payment options for places where connectivity is still a challenge
- Onboarding with Aadhaar and biometric KYC, cutting out the
- Real, on-the-ground partnerships between banks, FPOs, tech firms, and local
A Greener and More Transparent Value Chain
CBDC can also accelerate our climate goals. With programmable payouts linked to verified good practices—like water conservation or green farming—sustainability isn’t just a slogan, it’s a real incentive for farmers.
And for every stakeholder, from farmer to policymaker, full digital traceability means greater trust: in markets, in transactions, and in the system itself.
Trust First, Tech Second
It’s tempting to focus on the tech, but at the end of the day, it’s about trust—trust that the system works, that promises will be kept, that progress includes everyone. Technology gives us new tools, but it’s our commitment to using them right that will define success.
Looking Ahead
At Prodevans, we’re grateful for the opportunity to work with SBI and many others to help build these new digital foundations. The journey will demand teamwork, honest feedback, and relentless focus on the real needs of rural India.
Thank you once again to Prasanna, Sivakumar, and all those shaping this vision. If we keep the human impact front and center, I believe India’s digital future is in good hands.
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