Cooperative Banks Launch UPI Services: PhonePe, Google Pay Now Available for Rural Account Holders

• Andhra Pradesh introduces UPI digital payment services in District Cooperative Central Banks (DCCBs) for the first time, previously limited to commercial banks.
• The services, including PhonePe and Google Pay, were experimentally launched in West Godavari district on Republic Day, enabling QR code payments.
• This initiative aims to empower farmers and rural account holders to conduct easy digital transactions, addressing previous difficulties where they needed commercial bank accounts for UPI.
• APCOB Chairman Ganni Veeranjaneyulu spearheaded the move, building on prior computerization efforts to enhance transparency and create a technical platform for modern online services.
• The government plans to expand UPI services to all DCCBs statewide, integrating millions of farmers into the digital payment system, boosting the rural economy, and reducing cash dependency.

Why It Matters: Andhra Pradesh brings UPI services to cooperative banks, empowering rural account holders with digital payments.