In the Lok Sabha session on December 2, 2024, the government provided an update on the progress of India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilots during the Question Hour. With privacy concerns and the expanding role of the banking sector, key developments in the CBDC initiative were emphasized.
CBDC Pilots: Key Points from Lok Sabha
Pankaj Chaudhary, the Minister of State for Finance responded in the Lok Sabha with an update on the status of the Wholesale (eRupee-W) and Retail (eRupee-R) CBDC pilots, which were launched in November and December 2022, respectively. Sixteen banks are actively participating in the pilot programs and their work is still in progress and not yet fully implemented whereas only four were initially involved. Banks increased interest in investigating CBDCs as a possible future payment solution is demonstrated by this growing participation.
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The anonymity of transactions in the Retail CBDC was a key topic of discussion. The government stated that the Retail CBDC is designed to offer a level of anonymity, similar to cash transactions. There are limits on this anonymity as well and the experimental program is examining how privacy and legal obligations can coexist.
The pilot program prioritizes protecting consumer privacy, with participating institutions taking measures to secure customer information. As the pilots move forward, these privacy practices will be assessed to ensure they comply with regulatory requirements.
The pilots are also testing a number of elements, such as transaction security, technological infrastructure, and privacy considerations. Before a wider implementation, these tests have significance for assessing the CBDC's utility and functionality.
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Impact and Future of CBDC in India
While CBDC pilots are still in the testing phase they have the potential to transform the financial landscape. They could offer faster, more secure transactions, lower costs for banks, and provide a digital alternative to cash. If successful, CBDCs could drive greater financial inclusion and modernize India’s banking system. However, their impact will depend on the results of the ongoing tests, particularly regarding privacy and user adoption.
